Over many months of vigorous discussion regarding a new bylaw that may add a new type of housing unit in Mattapoisett, the Mattapoisett Planning Board is ready to debut the Cottage Bylaw.
As previously noted by the board, the purpose of the new bylaw is to allow condensed spacing for residential construction. Board members believe this housing option will give the town more flexibility in offering housing that meets the needs of a changing population – senior citizens looking to downsize and young families seeking to live in the community but unable to bear the high cost of housing. While the new bylaw is not addressing the issue of affordability, the major stumbling block facing young families, the board believes it will help none-the-less.
On December 5 the board meeting took up the bylaw language in a final push to get it before the public in advance of the spring town meeting.
Presently, the bylaw allows the cottage structures to be up to 1,500 square-feet, with a main floor of 900 square feet. Other dimensional requirements are one cottage per lot, a maximum height of 25 feet, front setbacks 25 feet, side setback of 10 feet, and rear setbacks of 15 feet. Each living unit will have two parking spaces, and 200 square-feet of open space.
The draft language also notes there will be 12-feet between units, and no detached accessory buildings except shared community structures.
Other notable language in the proposed new bylaw states a reduction in structural size will lessen visual impact versus conventional residences, with an intent to foster the creation of intimate communities that revolve around communal spaces, creating pedestrian friendly neighborhoods.
One drawback brought up during the meeting was the possibility of property owners charging more for buildable land given that the new bylaw would allow ten housing units per acre. They concurred that was a possibility.
The board is planning a public meeting on February 2 to vet the new bylaw. The venue is to-be-announced.
In other business, coming before the board on this night was Steven Cabral for property located at 182 North Street. The property owner is Dennis Mahoney and Sons, Inc. The subdivision and is for the creation of a family compound. It was learned that the entrance and exit to the property will be located at the cul-da-sac at the end of Shady Oak Drive.
Representing the applicant of this subdivision was David Davignon of Schneider Davignon and Leone. He described the development as a family compound consisting of four, four bed single-family dwellings with septic systems, and private water supplies. Davignon clarified that entrance and exit to the subdivision will be located at the end of Shady Oak Drive and not off North Street.
Drainage systems while described as “country drainage” will be further defined when the applicant begins full vetting presenting engineered drawings, comments from the fire department and from Natural Heritage, and the Board of Health. The application was continued.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, January 5.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell