Martignetti Moving Closer to Approval

            Carmine and Beth Martignetti’s twice-continued public hearing for shoreline improvements at 71 Moorings Road gained traction at the January 13 meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission.             The Notice of Intent, which included removing a vertical stone/concrete wall, expanding on an existing coastal beach into an upland area, and reconstructing a stone jetty, was […] Read more »

Pinebrook Lane Gets Addition with Stipulations

On January 21, the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals heard an application for a Special Permit filed by Rene and Sheila Macie for property located at 3 Pinebrook Lane within a small subdivision. The applicants sought permission to construct a third garage bay to an existing attached garage where the pavement had already been placed. […] Read more »

Town Diversifying Engineering Work

            Marion Town Administrator Jay McGrail and Department of Public Works Director Dave Willett updated the Marion Finance Committee on January 20 with the latest on the wastewater treatment plant lagoon lining project.             According to town representatives, engineering firm CDM Smith originally estimated that 350 dry tons of sludge needed to be removed, but […] Read more »

RMS Votes Full Return for K-2

            The Rochester School Committee unanimously voted to reopen the school on a full-time basis to Grades K-2 during the committee’s January 21 Zoom meeting. The pivot will be effective on Tuesday, February 2.             “I’m pleased for everyone, especially our children,” said Committee Chairman Sharon Hartley. “We do the best we can in our […] Read more »

Enforcement Order Lifted

            It took years of legal actions and an Enforcement Order issued by the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission, which was ultimately upheld in court, but on January 25, most commissioners were ready to call the Seabreeze case officially closed.             Daniel Craig’s 4 Seabreeze Lane property was deemed in compliance with an Enforcement Order that required […] Read more »

Cautious Approach Toward Future COVID Clinics

            Thrilled with the January 13-14 COVID-19 vaccination clinic’s success for first responders from Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, and Wareham, and with the state’s green light to schedule the prescribed second round, the Town of Marion doesn’t want to get ahead of itself.             “The consensus is just trying to deal with Marion going forward,” said […] Read more »

Selectmen Lament Loss of Bowlmor

            It finally happened on January 26; the demolition of the iconic Bowlmor Lanes located in the heart of Mattapoisett. The sound of cracking, snapping, and crashing could be heard throughout the village as the soundwaves created by dismantling cranes reverberated off Center School. The end of an era has arrived.             The members of […] Read more »

ZBA Approves ‘Big’ Plumb Corner Development Sign

            The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals voted on January 14 to permit Plumb Corner, LLC to display a temporary sign bigger than what the bylaw allows, but not quite as big as the developer had hoped.             The original request was for an 8- by 4- foot sign, exceeding the bylaw’s 9 square-foot maximum by 23 […] Read more »

Sippican Mobilizing to Bring Back K-2

            The Marion School Committee has not yet followed in the Mattapoisett School Committee’s footsteps, which on January 11 unanimously voted to bring back Grades K-2 to school on a full-time basis beginning January 19. But significant steps have been taken so that Marion can decide to follow suit.             Sippican School Principal Marla Sirois presented a […] Read more »

MRC Questions Drag on Aquaculture Licensing

            Marion Harbormaster Isaac Perry and Deputy Harbormaster/Shellfish Officer Adam Murphy have their work cut out.             In the aftermath of Shea Doonan’s pulled aquaculture license, the two have worked countless hours cleaning up Doonan’s former gear and product. But they cannot bring closure with a new licensee because the town’s Board of Selectmen wants a reset […] Read more »