The remote meeting on July 16 held by the Mattapoisett’s Zoning Board of Appeals heard attorney Chris Saunders speaking on behalf of his client Steven Goodwin regarding a request for a Special Permit. Goodwin is the property owner of a large horse stable described by Saunders as “state of the art,” situated on approximately 11-acres at 158 North Street.
Saunders said that the original Special Permit granted to Goodwin some years ago only authorized the boarding of seven horses, although the stable structure and surrounding grounds could easily accommodate more. Saunders said the business model, boarding horses and providing training to those horses and their owners exclusively, would not change. “It will not be open to the public,” he said.
Instead, Saunders said that Goodwin, along with his daughter and son-in-law who would manage the operation, wants to increase the number of horses on the property to fully utilize the facility. While a hearing for a Special Permit was not necessarily required, Saunders said the Goodwins want to be good neighbors and avoid any future issues with the increase in the number of animals on the property. The proposal would add approximately seven or eight additional horses to the rooster. He said that one abutter to the stable said, “Horses make better neighbors than people.”
Regarding the operation, Saunders also said that during the winter months the business would be shut-down. The managers would take horses to their Florida facility for the season and return again in the spring.
Director of Inspectional Services Andy Bobola said, “It is a state-of-the-art business. They have also contracted with a Rochester company to remove manure from the property. It’s a win-win situation.”
ZBA member Tony Tranfaglia said, “It complies with the right-to-farm provisions.” The Special Permit was unanimously approved.
Also coming before the ZBA remotely was David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon, and Leone, representing Donald and Carol LaMarr in their application for a Special Permit for property located at 5 Tallman Street. The couple sought permission to 2,000-square-foot accessory garage. Davignon said the purpose of the garage is to store the applicant’s boat and motor home and that the structure would be a metal building 14-feet in height and covering a space measuring 40 by 50 feet. Davignon said the applicant had spoken directly to each abutter, none of which opposed the project. In support of that assertion, a signed list of abutters was provided. The project received unanimous approval.
The last hearing of the evening was also represented by Davignon for clients Peter Guernsey and Erika Warmbrunn for property located at 13 Ridge Avenue. The couple proposed the construction of a second-floor addition to an existing home. The renovations also include a porch and side entry.
Davignon said the project met all setback requirements. ZBA member Colby Rottler said he was familiar with the home and its location and that, “…most of the homes in the area are two-story; this will fit in nicely.” The Special Permit requested was unanimously approved.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals will be posted at mattapoisett.net once scheduled.
Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals
By Marilou Newell