Monday night’s brief Mattapoisett Planning Board meeting found the members looking at a 1987 subdivision roadway covenant for a project that never took place.
Outgoing member Janice Robbins said that while combing through files in the Planning Board office, she happened upon an unreleased roadway covenant for Brookside Estates, a subdivision that would later be absorbed into another project along Appaloosa Lane off River Road. Robbins said that a subsequent subdivision was filed with a different road covenant and that the earlier encumbrance should have been released when the newer filings were made. She asked Planning Board Chairman Tom Tucker to call for a vote to release the 1987 covenant. When the vote was taken, all were in agreement.
Waivers for the Park Lane two-lot subdivision as represented by David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon and Leone, Inc., were granted and the public hearing closed. Those waivers included that the subdivision standards be waived for sidewalks, length of dead-end streets and that a hammerhead design of dead-end street be permitted. Davignon also pointed out that peer-review consultant Ken Motta of Field Engineering reviewed the plans positively, as had the Highway and Fire departments. Robbins said she would write the decision in the next few days.
Dandy Realty Trust’s Nicky Lane roadway for a subdivision was closed to future public comment, as Robbins noted the numerous continuances the project has requested and received. While the board voted to grant a continuance to June 6 and an extension to June 30, the motion also included that this would be the final such action taken by the board.
As the night’s business wrapped up, Robbins, who has declined to run for reelection to the board, said of her time as a member, “It’s been a good experience, but the last year has been very stressful.” She has publicly stated that a lack of clerical support and lack of an experienced town planner has pushed the board to take on unplanned responsibilities with much work pending.
Tucker said, “You’ve contributed so much to this board.” Member Karen Field thanked Robbins for her expertise and thorough, detailed work. Member Arlene Fidalgo said, “You are much appreciated.”
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, May 16, at 7:00 pm.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell