On July 28, the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission heard a Request for Determination of Applicability filing by Chapman Dickerson. He was requesting permission to remove two clumps of trees adjacent to the edge of the Mattapoisett River as it flows past River Road. However, an abutter, Kenneth Rocha of Kyla Way, called the project a “desecration of the scenic way.”
After Rocha voiced his dislike of the project, he was told by Chairman Mike King that a separate, Notice of Intent filing is planned and that the NOI filing would cover the design of the proposed solar array near the edge of the river.
Rocha expressed his concerns over the appearance of the array in a “historic” location. “I’m just concerned about the number of items and things that are being installed on their property, in a wetland critical habitat area,” he said. Rocha referenced an inground pool but was cut off by King who said, “hear me out, anything that’s been installed on their property that’s required to have a filing has had a filing and has had a public hearing.” Rocha responded, “What I’m saying to you is I don’t think in an aesthetic area like that where’s a critical habitat with critical issues in that area.” King retorted, “You’re entitled to your opinion, but that’s not the Wetlands Protection Act. We only follow what we follow, Sir.”
Rocha replied, “I believe in preservation of the river’s edge. I believe in the aesthetic look of the river’s edge, and it’s a historic bridge that goes over there. To me it’s something that should be preserved and not have visual array of solar panels or cell towers. … The board has the obligation to protect all of River Road.”
King stated, “frankly speaking, Sir, our obligation is to administer the Wetlands Protection Act on behalf of the citizens of the town, and that’s our only obligation. We’re volunteers for that, and if a project is presented to us that meets the performance standards of the Wetlands Protection Act, then we allow property owners to do those projects that meet those performance standards.” King said the project before the commission met necessary standards and that Rocha could appeal the commission’s decision.
The filing received a Negative (Box 2) decision that grants the request.
In other business on this night, a RDA filed by Randolph Alexander of 7 Wolf Island Road for the replacement of a timber bridge over a perennial stream received a Negative (Box 2) decision.
A new Notice of Intent filing by Joseph and Shanleigh Heelan, 0 Harbor Acres Lane, was conditioned for the construction of a new single-family dwelling.
A NOI filed by NSTAR/Eversource for the construction of new overhead power lines at the Crystal Springs solar array was again continued. In question is the status of two vernal pools. The utility has an easement, but questions around whether or not the private-property owners have granted easements remained an open question. The commission was otherwise satisfied with the project as presented. The filing was continued.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, August 11, at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell