The January 15 meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals became contentious when the board took up the Variance filing by Michael and Tiffany Amaral, 3 Harbor Road Neck. Andrew Stackpole of Field Engineering represented the applicants’ request for a Variance to construct a 24×36-foot Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) with an associated garage.
Board member Aaron Goldberg told Amaral that, if the garage was going to be part of the plan, the plan would exceed the space allowed by the state by right for a protected-uses ADU. The limit is the lesser of 900 square feet or half the footprint of the primary dwelling.
What ensued was a general discussion of the regulations on garage space and the applicant’s need to provide living space for his widowed mother-in-law. But Amaral’s demeanor became frustrated as Goldberg stood firm in his conviction that, combined with existing garage space, the new garage space put the project over the state’s limit for a protected-uses ADU.
Amaral was offered the opportunity to continue the hearing as emotions continued to escalate, with Amaral stating that the board had made their decision before he presented his case. He said he would return with a new engineer and a lawyer.
While the plans could have been adjusted, Amaral believed the design presented was pleasing to the eye and the neighborhood. The hearing was continued.
A second-story porch was granted a Special Permit for property located at 6 Water Street and owned by Water Street Property Management.
There was considerable discussion regarding the turning radius at the intersection of Water Street and driveways servicing the public boat ramps. David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc., discussed issues with situating the second-story porch addition and the difficulties experienced by boat yards when bringing extra-long masts down the driveways, questioning whether those masts would be able to make the turn.
Options were discussed, and possible use of town property to accommodate the boats satisfied the board, which granted the permit with stipulations.
Bill Madden of 11 Melissa Anne Lane received a Special Permit for the construction of a barn structure.
Continued until February 19 was the Variance filing by Russel Chase to unmerge lots to their original 1973 condition.
Receiving a Special Permit was the filing by Leslie and Maxwell Richmond, 4 Parker Street, for the construction of a garage measuring 24×30 feet with a great room.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, February 19.
Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals
By Marilou Newell