Mattapoisett’s Tree Warden Chris Nadeau came before the Mattapoisett Planning Board on Tuesday, October 20 in a public hearing for the removal of 160 trees in the town’s easement. The trees are located in various locations from deep in the heart of the village to along forested areas including those designated as scenic byways. All the trees that were noted in his removal application were deemed storm damaged, diseased, or victims of boring insects. Nadeau cautioned all 160 trees were in danger of crashing to the ground causing havoc, property damage, and possible injuries to passersby.
Chair Tom Tucker was a bit miffed that no one representing Eversource, a partner in the application, was present to speak on behalf of the utility. Nadeau stated he had inspected all 160 trees and agreed removal was needed. Since all parties were in agreement Eversource did not need to be present. It was further noted by Nadeau that of many trees marked for removal were threatening power lines in many locations.
During the public hearing, several residents spoke to the need for the trees to be removed including outspoken tree advocate Sandra Hering. Also speaking to the danger the trees in question were Margaret DeMello, Mike Daigle, Anne Fenton, Chrysal Walsh, and Nancy Souza, Chair of the Mattapoisett Tree Committee.
Nadeau was asked by board member Karen Field if replanting was part of the plan. Nadeau responded that a number of the trees were in forested easements and would hardly be noticed come spring.
There was no debate as all parties in attendance including the board members agreed to have the trees removed.
In other business the board once again delved into the writing of a new bylaw for “cottage” style developments which they plan on presenting to voters during the Spring Town Meeting.
The draft bylaw describes the structures as “…a cottage style housing development, an alternate form of detached housing. It further states “…it is a crucial component of the town’s comprehensive housing strategy.”
The draft goes on to say, “To provide housing styles and types that are responsive to changing household demographics, sizes, ages, and interests. To encourage the creation of more usable open space and promote the efficient layout of dwelling units to reduce the development footprint and infrastructure costs. Also to ensure that the overall size bulk and mass of cottage styles of cottage structures and developments remain smaller causing less visual impact than standard single style family dwellings.”
Particulars such as the square footage of these dwelling units were also discussed. Gross floorplans could be 975 square feet, with a main floor measuring 900 square feet. Minimum distance between units may be proposed to be 25 feet in the front, 10 feet on the sides, and 15 feet in the rear. Minimum distance separating structures will be 10 feet minimum, and private open space 200 square feet per unit.
Tucker said that two yet-to-be-scheduled public hearings will be held to vet the new proposed bylaw with the public. In the meantime, the public may get a draft copy from the Planning Board office.
Earlier in the evening Tucker announced that the hearing for a site plan review for 92 County Road, property owned by Krishi Krishan Corp for the expansion of the existing motel, that would include two rows of 12 units each, was continued to November 17 at the petitioner’s request. Tucker pointed out that the Zoning Board of Appeals hearing for a Special Permit on October 16 had been continued, thus the Planning Board could not be heard. Tucker said the hearing was continued to a date to be announced in November. Tucker said that without a zoning board decision on the Special Permit being pursued a site plan review was not possible.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for November 3.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell