Michael King’s variance petition case 1563 involving King’s right to use 84 North Street as a farmstand came to an end on August 21. King, through his attorney James Marsh, asked for a withdrawal without prejudice which was granted by the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals.

            King’s long journey to get a definitive ruling from the Building Department seemed to take a number of twists and turns, not the least of which was King’s assertion that Mattapoisett is a right-to-farm community and that the farmstand is covered by the Dover Amendment which grants farmers certain rights over and above local zoning ordinances, and that the property in question had a history as a farm.

            After a number of meetings including not only the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Board, which subsequently approved his requested site-plan review, King withdrew his petition. However, that withdrawal did not include a discontinuation of what he referred to as “self-serve” operation for the sale of meats, fruits and vegetables. His ability to sell products from the stand was not challenged by the ZBA.

            The board members were in agreement that a withdrawal could be granted; the case was quickly opened and closed, leaving abutters wondering if they could voice their objections. That was not to be the case. Chairman Susan Akin said, “This goes someplace else now,” although where was not noted. She said, “We don’t deal with this any longer.”

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said in a follow-up that, although the ZBA noted the Select Board is now a likely route to a conclusion in this matter, that is not actually the case. He said the Building Department is the authority over this matter.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, September 18 at 6:00 pm at Town Hall.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Marilou Newell

The water-choking, invasive, plant species milfoil or water milfoils (Myriophyllum) was recently found growing in four of Rochester’s ponds: Snipatuit; Snows; Leonard; and Hathaway. The Rochester Water Commission may have a unique solution to the problem by buying its own weed-harvesting equipment.

            The Water Commission met on August 13 to discuss this and other concerns regarding the town’s 900-acre pond system. Chair Fred Underhill said the notice about the milfoil problem originally arrived in an email from the Conservation Commission. “It’s a problem we’ve been dealing with for a couple of months,” he said. Underhill also said commission member Rick Charon has been studying the problem and has more data on it. Charon was unable to attend the August 13 meeting.

            Water Commission member David Hughes noted the Town of Acushnet has started a clean-up program on Lake Street in that town with rented weed-harvesting equipment. That’s when Underhill and Town Administrator Cameron Durant offered an alternative solution. Both men said they have reached out to State Representative Mark Sylvia for funding to buy a piece of milfoil weed-harvesting equipment for the town’s regular use.

            Durant said renting such equipment would cost $5,000 a day. However, to buy this equipment outright, it would cost roughly $105,000. He is reaching out to Sylvia’s office to apply for an Environmental Bond Bill grant to fund all or part of that purchase. He noted what rented equipment will return again in the future. “In a couple of years, we’ll have to do it again,” he said. The town would have that equipment to use on a regular basis.

            He cautioned, however, that the clean-up won’t happen until next summer, especially since Town Meeting action in May 2026 will probably be needed to fund part of the purchase. The Water Commission, nonetheless, signaled its full support of the plan.

            In other action, the commission approved 19 County Road’s request to access Wareham municipal water to the level of 900 gallons per day. Commission members elaborated that the property owner is now subdividing this lot.

            Commission consultant and former Town Planner Nancy Durfee initiated discussion of a report that the commission received regarding water flowing north (leaving in the wrong direction) from Snipatuit Brook and Snipatuit Pond and the Mattapoisett River watershed. The goal, the report states, is to “explore ways to keep more water in the Mattapoisett River System.” Durant elaborated, “Water is flowing in the wrong direction to benefit other communities.”

            The report proposes several solutions such as adding or repairing stop logs or installing a bulkhead with a relief valve. Underhill determined that, because the report was only received on August 13, discussion should be deferred to the commission’s next meeting.

            The Rochester Water Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10 at 4:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Water Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco