In May 2022 the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board met and spent considerable time reviewing four options presented by Childs Engineering Corporation for repairs and reconstruction of the town’s historic Long Wharf.
The wharf, also known as the Freddie Brownell wharf, was originally built in the 1800s. Time and tides, storms and use have taken their toll on whatever name you give to the wharf. For many years, the town has recognized the need to make repairs and improvements. Now it is preparing to find ways to control costs, while ensuring the refurbished wharf will also stand the test of time.
Childs’ study of the wharf produced four options. Option 1 ($4,700,000) would consist of precast concrete with steel reinforcing modular block used to encapsulate the existing wharf; Option 2 would include using reinforced concrete wall installed in front of the existing wharf blocks to act as a retaining wall that would support the wharf and lock all blocks in place; Option 3 would use a steel sheet pile wall (Childs noted in the report, “The advantage of this option is that it is typically more cost-effective, the installation is less time consuming; however, it also has the least natural appearance.”); Option 4 would combine the use of concrete blocks and granite.
During their September 29 meeting, the MAB again discussed the options while they awaited word from the Select Board as to the acceptability of a hybrid combination of construction styles that would give a more appealing outward appearance employing concrete and granite blocks. Harbormaster Jamie McIntosh reminded the group that Childs had also recommended preparing for sea-level rise in the coming years by constructing the wharf in a manner that it could be heightened at a later date. This combination conceptual plan, which as yet has not been fully scripted by Childs, has an estimated $10,700,000 price tag, MAB Chairman Carlos DeSousa stated.
In attendance were two persons whose backgrounds in construction and in aggregate materials lent some gravity to the discussion. Both Brian Crowley and Leonard Sollitto offered cautionary notes, saying that construction materials must be carefully inspected to ensure quality is maintained throughout the construction, and that thorough preconstruction study of existing conditions is necessary to get a finished product worthy of the costs.
The MAB also met with representatives of the Mattapoisett Boatyard to discuss waiving the necessity of removing mooring balls and placement of winter sticks. The August 19 boatyard fire is responsible for the lack of sticks for the coming winter season. Securing replacements has failed, as no supplier could be found. The board approved the request.
McIntosh reported that shellfish seeding of Shining Tides Beach has taken place and that the area will be closed to fishing until at least September 2023 to allow for a spawning cycle. He also said that Chapter 91 waterways permitting has been received for dredging between wharfs where dinghies are placed but that the work was still pending a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board is scheduled for Thursday, October 27, at 7:00 pm.
Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board
By Marilou Newell