On February 11, Freemin and Jodi Bauer came before the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen to inquire as to the status of town-owned land that could be developed for a dog park. The Bauers have sought public and municipal support for a dog park on public lands as well as some funding. They said that fundraising over the last few years, in part generated for annual doggie-walk-a-thons, has generated over $40,000, but that sum fell $10,000 below the amount needed in order to apply for grants. A Community Preservation Committee grant had failed at a 2018 town meeting, but interest in the project never waned according to the selectmen.
Selectman Paul Silva wondered aloud, “What happened to the original site we were looking at?” Town Administrator Mike Gagne reminded Silva that the warrant article for the CPC grant had failed on town meeting floor. That warrant article included a site next to the Police Department off of Church Street. Abutters had raised concerns about the spending and the location during that forum, Bauer said.
But the selectmen believed the project would be a benefit to the community. “I was disappointed the first time it went to town meeting,” said Silva. Selectman Jordan Collyer suggested the town consider the former Holy Ghost grounds on Park Street for the one-acre dog park, as well as consideration of property recently obtained by the town adjacent to Old Hammondtown School. But, Collyer noted those were not the only sites. The selectmen asked Gagne to have both parcels surveyed. Collyer volunteered to take a walking tour with the Bauers of both properties.
Silva said, “It’s up to the board to say if we are going to move ahead,” with a public dog park. He also concluded, “No matter where you put it, someone will complain.”
A hearing was held with members of the Mattapoisett, Rochester and Marion herring inspectors David Watling and Robert Martin, along with Mattapoisett Harbormaster Jay Macintosh. The inspectors reported that herring numbers have risen to over 18,000 against the last count, which found only approximately 5,000 fish in local rivers and streams.
The team discussed new fish ladders for Mattapoisett with Macintosh, suggesting fiberglass versus traditional wooden ladders. He said he would ask the Town of Wareham if Mattapoisett could borrow several from their surplus to test their efficacy. Macintosh, who hails from Wareham, also said that counts in Wareham were strong.
Staying with the theme of saltwater bounty, Mike Ward met with the board requesting an increase in his aquaculture acreage from two to four. He said he needed the extra acres to make navigating around the submerged equipment easier. Ward’s grant is located in Nasketucket Bay west of Mattapoisett where weather can hinder easy maneuvering around the site. He said that due to the active energy systems in the area his oysters are “fat.” When asked if he was happy farming the area he responded, “Yes,” sharing that he had sold 37,000 so far with good reviews on the shellfish quality.
Discussion expanded to include thoughts about Mattapoisett’s Eel Pond, an area, Collyer said, that once produced high volumes of shellfish but in recent years has remained closed due to water-quality issues.
The board asked Gagne to gather water-quality reports based on a suggestion he offered that the area might support aquaculture, thereby aiding in removing nitrogen from the pond. The selectmen also said that they would schedule an annual meeting with all aquaculture stakeholders to discuss best practices and to air issues and other matters related to the industry. Mattapoisett currently has the largest acreage in the state identified by the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries for aquaculture activity.
Earlier in the meeting, the selectmen asked board secretary Melody Pacheco to create a calendar showing the dates of all events various organizations are seeking to hold in Mattapoisett. Silva had previously expressed concern that the village neighborhood carried a burden in not having full access to private property during the outdoor seasons due to special events. While he is not suggesting denying permits, he said he needed all of the dates. Annual road races, Lions Club events at Shipyard Park, religious gatherings at Ned’s Point, exercise classes, square dancing, and the Memorial Day boat race were just some of the more than 40 events seeking permissions.
The selectmen said they also plan to draft a policy on times of the year when permission to use public-parking areas such as Barstow Wharf could be granted for special events such as a wedding. They were concerned about the public’s ability to use the parking area during peak beach season.
Gagne read an email from the Mattapoisett Historical Commission requesting the board’s support for submission of an application to National Historic Register for Center School. The board voted to support the application contingent upon confirmation that by gaining the historic designation the town’s ability to make needed alterations would not be impeded, that use restrictions would not be an obstacle, and that the town could withdraw from the program if it deemed too many restrictions encumbered use of the town-owned structure.
Gagne reminded the public that voter registration ends on February 12 and that early voting in the Presidential Primary will take place at town hall between February 24 and 28. Parking in the vacant lot next to Town Hall is available.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for February 24 at 5:00 pm in the Town Hall conference room.
Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen
By Marilou Newell