The March 4 meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board had one agenda item, an informal meeting to discuss a proposed, eight-lot subdivision off Holly Woods Road. The property owner is Collin Labrie, 7 Holly Woods Road, represented on this night by Chris Vandenberghe of Civil and Environmental Consultants.
The primary plans call for a traditional clearing of lots and an extended driveway of 650 feet. Vandenberghe said waivers to be considered would be elimination of sidewalks with nothing more requested and acceptance of the extended driveway.
Abutters were present and voiced their concern over the ruination of the natural woodlands and increased traffic flow from the 9-acre site. Things became a bit testy, but Planning Board Chairman Tom Tucker assured them that Monday’s discussion was preliminary, that there are many steps yet to be walked before approval might occur and that notice of the future public hearing would be sent to all abutters via registered mail.
Planning Board member Bill Westerberg suggested to the owner that he could develop the project in a manner that would make people proud. Westerberg is in favor of sidewalk(s), and said that vegetation including trees left in place for greenery, “… remove a minimum of trees for a better project.” Lot sizes are planned at 30,000 square feet.
Labrie was told he needed sign-off on the driveway by the Mattapoisett Police and Fire departments before submitting the definitive plans.
Member John Mathieu asked the board to set aside time at subsequent meetings to discuss possible changes to the density requirements in the village district overlay. He said the board should consider extending the use of zero lot lines to allow for the development of condominiums for empty nesters. The members agreed to discuss the matter further.
Also in attendance was Sandy Hering, chairman of the Mattapoisett Tree Committee, asking the board to invite the town administrator to a future meeting to discuss a tree-removal hearing, removals anticipated by the village street roadway project. Tucker said he would reach out to Town Administrator Mike Lorenco.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, March 18, at 7:00 pm.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell