On February 25, the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission heard a Notice of Intent filing from Peter Botello and Richard Pasquill for lots located at 78, 80, and 82 Church Street. Represented by Rick Charon of Charon Engineering, the applicants are proposing to construct a three-family unit where currently three separate structures are in various stages of decrepitude.
Charon detailed what has been discovered on the parcels regarding sewers and abandoned septic pits. A new structure, he explained, would be serviced by municipal sewer, and old pits would be filled. He said the structures on the properties would be razed.
Stormwater management was a bit trickier, as Charon said that a drainage headwall near the property didn’t seem to serve any purpose, and that drainage from the site was being rustically handled by a small collection area that allowed water to migrate off the property. There was also mention of an intermittent stream running nearby. Charon said he was more concerned about the stream and a ditch located on the opposite side of Church Street.
Charon said the property owners will need to seek and secure a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals for the multi-unit home and associated off-street parking that is part of the conceptual plans. He also said that lot coverage would be approximately 26 percent of the total when the parcels are combined, another aspect of the proposed project that the ZBA will need to review.
Conservation Commission Chairman Mike King questioned if roof runoff should be included when Charon considers stormwater management planning in greater detail. Charon said the surrounding grassed landscape and gravel driveway would allow roof runoff to drain directly into the ground, so the need to migrate it directly underground via a collection system was not necessary. King was satisfied with the construction of conventional downspouts. Charon added that the construction of the building called for slab on grade, saying, “Basements in that area aren’t a good idea.”
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection had reviewed the conceptual plans without comment, added Charon.
Conservation Agent Elizabeth Leidhold’s comments included a request for compost wattles, silk fencing, and what the commission calls “standard special conditions” such as erosion controls, notice to the office and/or preconstruction meetings, as well as removal of excess material be required should the project move forward to construction.
The project was conditioned, clearing the way for review by the ZBA and Planning Board.
Also during the meeting, the commission addressed 10 Requests for Determination of Applicability, the majority of which were for parcels within the Preserve at Bay Club represented by Jason Youngquist of Outback Engineering.
The Preserve at Bay Club LLC, lots 124, 125, 126, 127, 136, 137, 138, 139, 139A, and 139B, had all received notification from the Massachusetts Wildlife Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program that the proposed development of the parcels for single-family homes would have no impacts on wild species habitat.
Leidhold again requested that the development maintain standard special conditions. The proposed development of the parcels all received a Negative 3 determination of applicability.
Other RDAs receiving Negative 3 determinations were: Neal Sandford, 4 Seaconet Road, for the construction of a shed; Frank Gerry, 59 Angelica Avenue, for the replacement of two structural piers and the construction of a 10×16-foot deck; William and Bonnie Medeiros, 17 Cove Street, for the installation of an elevator; and Aaron Bates, 9 West Hill Road, for the construction of a single-story 8×22-foot master closet addition.
A Notice of Intent filed by the Mattapoisett Water & Sewer Department for property located off Tinkham Lane near Hereford Hill Road was conditioned, allowing for utility upgrades. The project will require the removal of trees for new overhead and underground electrical systems.
Another Notice of Intent filing located at the Preserve at the Bay Club, LLC for Split Rock Lane requested approval for the extension of the roadway. King asked Youngquist about water quality studies. Youngquist reported those were underway, but not complete. King was hesitant to act upon the filing absent that report. Youngquist was concerned that the timing of the study would delay the roadway expansion, throwing off planned construction start dates. The NOI was continued until March 11.
Finally, a Certificate of Compliance was issued to Wayne and Lori Caswell, 42 Crystal Springs Road.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for March 11 at 6:30 pm in the town hall conference room.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell