At its Tuesday, August 11, meeting, the Mattapoisett Select Board met with representatives from both Habitat for Humanity and the Sons of the American Revolution.
First, they approved the minutes from their July 14 meeting, followed by the approval of minutes from various Executive Sessions dating back to January 2023. They then approved the Election Warrant for the Statewide Primary Election on Tuesday, September 1.
The board then heard from a representative from Habitat for Humanity regarding their potential development of affordable housing on a plot in town. The representative noted the local branch of the non-profit had recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. The representative noted the hardest part of their job is finding suitable land. The plot in focus is undeveloped and is on the corner of Maplewood Street and North Street. He noted there is no history of development on the site, nor any conservation notices.
He said funding would come from donations and grants, and construction would take eight to nine months, with volunteers being present throughout the process. Pricing would be “around $200,000, and we offer zero percent interest mortgages,” he said.
The organization has built one other home in Mattapoisett in the past and 13 in the region. Clerk Jordan C. Collyer said, “I think this would be great for the town,” with other members agreeing.
Members sought information on projected tax revenue for the town, and it was also stated that an inspection would be needed for the site.
The board then discussed a possible town event hosted by the Sons of the American Revolution, a men’s-only genealogical society whose members are descendants of Revolutionary War soldiers or other participants. It was proposed for Saturday, September 19, and would take place at Hammond Cemetery on River Road. It was said there could be a bus from Old Hammond Elementary, which could also stop at the Council on Aging to pick up interested visitors on the way to the event.
The representative also requested the closure of River Road for about two hours during the event, as having the road closed and the bus would limit traffic impacts in the area. The board did not vote on it but stated they supported the event.
For announcements, the board stated there would be a Public Hearing on Monday, August 17, at 7:00 pm in Town Hall for the Cottage Community Development Bylaw. They also stated they sought applicants to be the Community Liaison for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness 2.0 Program.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, at 6:30 in Town Hall and on Zoom.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Sam Bishop