It’s no small task to create new zoning bylaws that will have long lasting ramifications, including the aesthetic look and overall character of Mattapoisett’s historic village, as well as providing a new type of housing.
For over a year, the Mattapoisett Planning Board has been working on two new bylaws that will, the board says, provide many new opportunities in residential housing. On February 2, the board held a Public Hearing to give residents an opportunity to discuss the Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Cottage Community drafts. The board wishes to include many points of view, while crafting the technical language they wish to bring before Town Meeting in May.
Salient points were shared in a working draft to give voters plenty of time before the Annual (spring) Town Meeting to ask questions and become familiar with the board’s plans. To receive a copy of the draft, contact the Planning Board or Select Board office.
Regarding the ADU bylaw, the board explained some of the state bylaws language. The draft language reads in part that the new bylaw will, “…increase housing production to address local and regional housing needs across all income levels, housing that fits in context of zoning districts, and all income levels at all stages of life. It would develop small scale infill housing that fits in context of zoning districts that allows single family housing while providing gentle hidden density and further it would provide a more moderately priced housing option to serve smaller households with lower incomes, seniors and people with disabilities.”
These units would be self-contained with all the utilities necessary for independent living. It was further outlined in the draft that the intent of the new bylaw is, “…to enable property owners to age in place, downsize, or earn supplemental income from investing in their property.”
As for cottage community units, during the open discussion it was asked what would stop a property owner from selling cottage community housing units at a premium price tag versus an affordable unit. Board member William Wennerberg explained that these new zoning bylaws were not an effort to provide affordable housing but rather a new way to develop available land.
Several model homes were shown, including Wennerberg’s developments in nearby towns. The concept of cottage communities was first introduced by Wennerberg based on his experience as a developer. He said that people love cottage communities and had previously suggested that such units would fit in comfortably in Mattapoisett, primarily along the Route 6 corridor. Noted were the first-floor size of such housing units, not to exceed 900 square feet; a second-story unit would not exceed 50% of the ground floor.
As currently written, the dimensional standards are: up to 1,500 square feet; Minimum distance separating structures is to be 12 feet with two parking spaces and an overall height of 14 feet.
At the Mattapoisett Planning Board’s next meeting scheduled for March 2 at 7:00 pm, the drafts will continue to be refined.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell