The October 27 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission found the members plugging away at technical documents and procedures for nearly 3-hours.
Cases ran the gambit, from your average, Request for Determination of Applicability, to questions around whether or not a new pier would encroach into a shared channel over a mostly underwater property line, to concerns over digging foundations in jurisdictional areas.
Regarding the pier project filed by Thomas Holt, 39 Mattapoisett Neck Road, for this evening’s meeting, the agenda stated the filing was for the demolition and reconstruction of a single-family dwelling. That, however, was not the main discussion. The main discussion was regarding a proposed extension of an existing pier with associated boat lift.
Abutters were concerned that if the boat lift as proposed was allowed, precious footage needed to exit and enter the channel would be compromised. Discussion asserting the need to take available space into consideration was debated. Neighbors said a small pier was acceptable but not a boat lift. Holt’s representative David Davignon of Schneider Davignon and Leone confirmed that the pier extension included removal of existing pier structure, work within a salt marsh, the need to comply with standards issued by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and other agencies.
It was further disclosed that the Mattapoisett Harbormaster had voiced his concerns about navigable passage in the channel especially during low tides. After considerable discussion Chairman Mike King allowed Holt to continue the hearing to receive more guidance from the Harbormaster and comments from the MDMF as well as time for the residents impacted by the project to attempt resolution of differences.
Bill Madden of G.A.F. Engineering presented a Notice of Intent filed by David McIntire, Jr., 0 Nicky’s Lane for the construction of a single-family home off Old Slough Road. Tonight’s hearing centered around the need for culvert repair/replacement. The culvert in question served an intermittent stream. A new planned culvert would consist of a new 48-inch metal pipe with concrete headwalls. The project was conditioned.
A Notice of Intent filed by the town of Mattapoisett for the repair and reconstruction of a pier was once again not heard. It was noted that the engineer of record, Childs Engineering was a no show.
A 30-panel solar array planned by Craig Orn of 6 River Road bumped along to acceptance after it was determined that the location of the panels as shown on earlier plans was the only viable location for them to be placed. An alternatives analysis had not been prepared which the commission took exception to. The site had been visited by the commission and its agent. The project received a negative determination.
A Request for Applicability filed by 8 Dyer Road Nominee Trust for improvements to a driveway, resurfacing of a driveway, scraping, and native plantings, as well as the installation of two geothermal wells was given a negative determination.
A Notice of Intent filed by Deborah Chapman Living Trust was conditioned after abutters expressed concerns over area flooding and damage to existing foundations. They also expressed displeasure that the plans included FEMA regulated structural height requirements. King stated that wasn’t any “wiggle room,” that the project had to comply with FEMA directives. The project was conditioned.
A complaint filed against 11 Seamarsh Way for unpermitted activities that included a seawall, plantings, and the need for a Chapter 91 license was represented by landscape contractor Andrew Langlois. Langlois explained that he was new to the project, that boulders and rocks moved within the site in question had taken place before his company was hired. The commission reminded him that permits were needed for planned work and that an after-the-fact filing was now required. The complaint became a mandate that proper permitting be filed by January first.
A Notice of Intent filed by Colin Labrie, represented by Civil and Environmental Consultants Inc, for property located at 7 Hollywoods Road was continued due to new plans being received only hours before the commission meeting began.
The updated plan was discussed and now showed areas previously cut without permits would be allowed to regenerate. New plans include a wildflower meadow and native plantings. The new plans as presented were noted as not being in line with work verbally agreed upon when the commission made a site visit. Labrie was told that an impact analysis was needed. Labrie commented that he was trying to give a neighbor a view. The filing was continued.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, November 10 at 6:30 pm in Town Hall.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell