A Momentous Day

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“This is a momentous day for Mattapoisett,” stated Select Board Chairman Tyler Macallister on April 27. A long saga filled with real drama in the form of a pandemic and defective materials had sidelined the opening of the Shining Tide section of the Mattapoisett Bike Path, from Reservation Road to Goodspeed Island Road.

Now, after many months of working with MassDOT and Representative William Straus, the Memorandum of Understanding which protects the town for up to 20 years was signed. By signing the document, the town agreed to take ownership of the structures, and the state promised to bear any costs from material failure.

On April 28, the gates were unlocked. A formal opening is planned for May.

            Select Board member Jordan Collyer said he was pleased with the final language in the MOU and quipped that, “We are actually ahead of schedule.” A revised opening date of June 2023 had been set after earlier dates had to be pushed out.

            There remain other issues to be resolved, namely parking.

            Parking at the end of Reservation Road is strictly for golf-club members only. Town parking permits are not valid at this private beach area, Collyer stated. The private golf club has put up signs indicating the area is private. Parking at the Railroad Avenue parking lot has elongated slots for the exclusive use of boaters with trailers, but there are several lined spots for automobiles. There is no parking permitted at the end of Goodspeed Island Road. There is permit parking at the Landing off Mattapoisett Neck Road and three spots at the entrance of Brandt Beach on Brandt Island Road.

            Regarding shell fishing at Reservation Beach, Collyer said that between October 15 and April 30, the parking area may be used by those with shellfish permits, a long-held courtesy that the golf club has extended town residents.

            Boat-trailer parking was also discussed as a possible option at the town beach lot on Water Street. Select Board member Jodi Bauer said she wouldn’t want more than five slots available at that location for boaters.

            In other business, the matter of hiring a new harbormaster was discussed. It was noted that municipalities are looking at new experience requirements for harbormasters, primarily one that would include state-authorized, police academy training. In a follow-up, Collyer said that it is difficult to find someone who has put in the time training, but that some aspects of the job are more law-enforcement related, making a harbormaster’s position a nuanced one.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said that the open position will be posted in the coming days. Collyer commented, “We are on borrowed time,” with the boating season about to begin. In the meantime, Lorenco, in cooperation with Sergeant Scott LeBlanc, is working on various harborside duties.

            Lorenco reported that the new road grader for the Highway Department has arrived as has the new fire truck.

            The Spring Town Meeting warrant is posted to the town’s website, and the League of Women Voters will hold a Candidates’ Night at Old Hammondtown School on Wednesday, May 3, at 6:30 pm.

            Later the same evening the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board met. Chairman Carlos DeSousa also commented on the open harbormaster position. He said the Select Board was putting together the job description. He also suggested that the board invite LeBlanc to the next board meeting.

            Board members expressed concern over not having an authoritative presence at the wharves, and guest John Cornish said he was worried for his boat docked at the pier. DaSousa said he would ask Lorenco what is planned.

            DeSousa noted that work is pending on shellfish and that work is also pending on the dredging at Long Wharf. That project will now be scheduled for the fall or winter. Completed projects include the servicing of boats and installation of dinghy docks. Other docks need repairing.

It was suggested that possibly students from a vocational-technical school might be able to help the town. DeSousa plans to explore the idea. He also said that bathrooms are open and being cleaned, the pump-out boat will be launched in the coming week and that freshwater and electrical service has been turned on.

            A Harbor Management Plan that was promoted by the previous Harbormaster Jamie McIntosh will not be moving forward at this time, it was noted. Regarding McIntosh, the board is planning to thank him for his service with a letter of appreciation. “We’ll acknowledge his service to the community,” DaSousa said.             The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board is scheduled for Thursday, May 25, at 7:00 pm. The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not scheduled upon adjournment

Tea & Treasures Road Show

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Sentimental Value or Family Treasure? Let the experts weigh in. Your grandmother’s favorite vase or necklace may be worth a small fortune. Would you like to know?

            Meet the Experts at the High Tea & Treasures Road Show, hosted by The First Congregational Church of Marion on Saturday May 6, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm to be held at the Community Center, 44 Front Street. In addition to the Afternoon Tea, guests are encouraged to bring an antique, piece of jewelry, art or a curiosity piece to be reviewed by three experts in their field. Marion’s local antique expert, Frank McNamee, along with colleagues Nick Taradash and Abigail Field will provide information and commentaries. Their love of history has led Frank, Nick and Abigail to their current careers with each having an affinity for a specific area whether it be jewelry, manuscripts, decorative art and design, or textiles, clothing and East Asian antiques. Frank, Nick and Abigail have conducted appraisal discovery days for numerous non-profits groups and the First Congregational Church is thrilled to have Frank, Nick and Abigail join them on May 6.

            Many of us know Frank McNamee but may not be aware that his expertise is recognized far and wide outside of Marion’s borders. Frank has over 45 years in the antique business and 30 years appraisal experience. He is the owner of Marion Antique Shop which is located in Marion and is one of the largest and most active antiques shops in New England, and Marion Antique Auctions, which is Southeastern Massachusetts most important auction gallery conducting three to four high-end sales a year. He has handled Southeastern Massachusetts most significant estates. In 2013, he sold the lost Edgar Allan Poe manuscript for $300,000 and in 2020 he sold an old master drawing by Jan Lievens for $500,000. Frank has conducted appraisals for numerous law firms and museums, including the Smithsonian Institution, the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the New Bedford Museum of Glass, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, and numerous historical societies. Frank is past president of the Sippican Historical Society and now curator of its museum in Marion, MA. He is a member of the Cape Cod Antique Dealers Association and a senior member of the Providence Appraisal Collaborative. Frank graduated from Massachusetts auctioneer’s school and maintains a current Massachusetts auctioneer’s license. Frank has also volunteered as a guest celebrity auctioneer for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford, the New Bedford Whaling Museum where he auctioned off the painting by Arthur Moniz titled, The Home Coming for the Morgan Homecoming Gala in 2014 for $50,000.

            Nick Taradash was raised on a horse farm near the coast of southern New England in Rhode Island. As a young child Nick would wander the fields of the family farm searching for arrowheads, exploring the antique home restored by his family, and sharing the passions of his family – art, theater, and classic cars. A lifelong love of history formed with encouragement from his family and friends, Nick eventually went on to major in history at Vermont State University, graduating in 2014. Upon finishing his studies, Nick began working in the curatorial department of The New Bedford Whaling Museum. After two and a half years at the Whaling Museum, Nick chose to pursue a Master’s degree at Sotheby’s Institute of Art with a focus in fine and decorative arts and design. After graduating in 2017, he began working for the New York Design Center in the 1stdibs Gallery. In 2021, Nick began work at the Nantucket Historical Society in the curatorial department.

            Abigail Field graduated from UMass Dartmouth with a BA in history in 2020 as the #1 student in the department. Abigail’s primary focus is in textiles and clothing, but she has since gained considerable expertise in East Asian antiques as well as jewelry. Throughout her schooling, she volunteered at the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the Mattapoisett Historical Society. She has also been hired as a logbook transcriber for a cross-organizational project with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, and she is the executive assistant at the Sippican Historical Society.

            A limited number of tickets are still available. Admission: $25 in advance, $30 at the door and includes one items for review by this talented team. Additional items may be reviewed at $10 per item as time permits.

            Tickets may be purchased in advance at the General Store, Church Office located at the Community Center — Tues – Fri 9:00 am -2:00 pm, at Penny Pinchers Exchange, 39 Main St., Wed & Sat 10:00 am -1:00 pm or online https://www.marionfirstchurch.org/

            Gallery seating is available for $10 per item being reviewed and may be purchased at the door the day of the event.

            Additional information is available on the Church’s website: www.marionfirstchurch.org/.

Mattapoisett Selectboard

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To the Editor;

            I am writing in response to William Nussbaum’s letter, which was published in the April 13th edition of The Wanderer on behalf of the Mattapoisett Selectboard. First off, we welcome you to Mattapoisett, it is a great Town and we know you will enjoy living here.

            I know you have already spoken with Town Administrator Michael Lorenco regarding the letter, but we did want to respond and use the opportunity to explain to readers the process of how tax rates are established annually.

            Everything begins on Town Meeting floor in May where all spending for the upcoming year is approved by a majority vote of taxpayers attending Town Meeting. Town Meeting is a culmination of efforts by Town Department Heads, Town Administrator, Capital Planning, Finance Committee, School Committee, Selectboard and many others putting together a balanced annual budget for the town for the upcoming fiscal year. This requires a lot of effort and time on behalf of all parties as the town is constrained by Proposition 2 ½ which restricts increases in property taxes without overrides/exclusions. The Town has not sought an override in more than 10 years which means those involved in the budgetary process for the Town are exercising sound fiscal policy. With debt and new growth included, Mattapoisett’s 5-year average budget levy increase is approximately 3.8%. In the Southcoast region this average is only beaten by Dartmouth and Fairhaven (at 3.7% and 3.4% respectively), two communities with a large commercial presence which helps to offset increases in residential tax rates. Mattapoisett’s average increase bests several surrounding communities including Acushnet, Bourne, Carver, Freetown, Lakeville, Marion, Rochester and Westport over the last 5 years.

            So, what makes my tax bill jump more than 2 ½%? Over the last few years values of homes in Mattapoisett have risen approximately 36%. Each year the MA Department of Revenue mandates that values are adjusted based previous years qualified sales and a full recertification is performed every five years. The analysis of this data can be the trigger for an increase in assessed value of a residence due to a recent sale in the neighborhood which reflects an increase in property values in the area. This has had the biggest impact on localized increases in property values.

            It should be known that the Town’s first two quarterly tax bills are always estimates. The Town does not typically set a tax rate until late Fall, which results in a “true-up” of the final two quarterly tax bills. So, if you want to know what your true increase in your property taxes is from year to year, you must compare the total annual amount. Your tax bill is calculated by dividing your home’s assessed value by $1,000 and multiplying it by the Town’s approved tax rate. Though the Town may control the budget, the Town has little control over the market price of homes, and thus their calculated assessed value.

            The effective tax rates in Mattapoisett in the last 3 year have been the following:

2021 Tax Rate: $12.96/$1000 assessed value

2022 Tax Rate: $12.40/$1000 assessed value

2023 Tax Rate: $11.25/$1000 assessed value.

            Additionally, over the same time period, the Town did not require the full 2.5% increase as permitted by law resulting in excess capacity (wiggle room if something were to change while still avoiding an override.)

            Everything discussed in this letter is also discussed in open forums at public meetings and available to viewed online on Zoom and meetings are recorded so the public can view a meeting if unable to attend. There is a lot of effort and thought that goes in to annual Town spending, and ultimately the decisions to spend taxpayers’ money is made by a vote of Town Meeting whether in the Spring or Fall. As members of the Selectboard, we take our job very seriously when it comes to endorsing spending articles on the Town Meeting Warrant and if approved, our duty is to follow through with the “Will of Town Meeting” and to take any actions necessary to facilitate the execution of all matters approved at Town Meeting.

            Hoping to see all of you Town Meeting on May 8th.

            Respectfully.

R. Tyler Macallister, Chair, Mattapoisett Select Board

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

Spring Mindfulness Walk

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Spring is blooming, and energy is flowing. What a time to get outside. Join Mattapoisett Land Trust on Sunday May 7 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Woodcock Preserve trail for a Spring Mindfulness Walk. Park at the Tinkhamtown Woodlands parking lot on Long Plain Road. We will begin from there.

            Led by yoga nidra instructor, Carly Baumann, we will talk a relaxing and reinvigorating walk out in nature. Carly will use her expertise to guide everyone on a slow-paced hike where you’ll get to explore all of your senses out in nature.

            This is open to all people of all abilities. Please wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. This walk will happen rain or shine. We hope to see you there.

Collaborative Helping Marion Organize

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            A Capacity Assessment Results Toolkit (CART) was discussed by the Marion Board of Health during its April 20 public meeting.

            The CART is one of many pieces of information anticipated by Marion as a member of a six-town, state-sponsored Southcoast Public Health Collaborative. Marion has used initial funds to purchase software to help process information related to inspections.

            “As time goes on, they’re going to see what we need, and they’re going to help us with our needs. At this point, I don’t think we have a lot of needs. I think we look very good,” said Dr. John Howard, who estimated Marion is at 86% of the state standard.

            Marion Health Director Lori Desmarais explained that the town has participated in an involved, three-part survey requiring many documents on various subjects under the board’s purview. The state developed CART by breaking down recommendations, which includes hiring shared staff such as a shared-services coordinator and an inspector.

            CART is trying to generate more than the $300,000 at its disposal, and one of the hires will seek grant funding for the collaborative.

            Through the collaborative, Marion purchased Relevant software that is being used for inspections of restaurants, camps and housing. “It kind of brings everything together,” said Desmarais.

            The Select Board has signed off on the Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA), and legal counsel is reviewing the contract. (KP Law, Marion’s Town Counsel, also represents Westport, according to Howard.)

            In referencing the Public Health Excellent Grant, Howard noted that some towns and small cities lack full-time personnel for health services. “Hence, the EPA said they’d try to help … we’re in very good shape, I think, especially for a small town,” he said.

            Dr. Ed Hoffer attended the meeting via Zoom from France. “They said things were going global and now I know it,” said Howard, noting that the Board of Health is Marion’s first to hold an international public meeting.

            Regarding the permit issued the owner of 406 Point Road, the Board of Health had granted a variance on May 26, 2022, regarding the distance that septic was from the tank. Since then, the house has been completely demolished, and they had to redo certain parts of the foundation,” explained Desmarais. “The board may consider rescinding the variance request.”

            Board member Albin Johnson sought to clarify if there had been a Title 5 approval, but Desmarais said that was not part of the application. Under a new construction even with the same number of bedrooms, the guidelines have changed as new construction means new requirements including a nitrogen-reducing septic system. The board sent a letter to the homeowner and to engineer Rick Charon, who intends to submit a revised plan.

            The board discussed the matter and voted unanimously to rescind the original variance.

            In other septic updates, the board is waiting to hear back from Dave Davignon regarding 4 North Drive. The board voted to approve in concert with George Heufelder’s conditioned approval of work at 88 Indian Cove Road. The board is waiting on Heufelder regarding 1 West Drive.

            In her Health Agent Update to the board, Shallyn Rodriguez told the board that eight food inspections were conducted, including three new establishments and some special events. Rodriguez said the inspections “did well.”

            In regards to Chapter 2 housing inspections and complaint updates, the owner of 28 Pitcher Street indicated that the vendor hired to perform work at the property has fallen ill but was expected to begin within eight to 10 days, Rodriguez reported. “We need to stay on top of that one,” said Howard.

            A house in disrepair at 165 County Road was seen by Rodriguez and Marion Building Commissioner Bob Grillo, who reportedly found the property to be a hazard with its basement area open in several areas with windows missing.

            The town reached out to the owner with an ultimatum to repair or demolish. Johnson noted that local developer Sherman Briggs has a sand pit abutting the property. Desmarais was awaiting an email from the other stating intentions.

            In her Public Health Director update, Desmarais updated the board on disease, and Plymouth County’s plans to spray for mosquito control. She said she has updated the website and would send an email blast. The public can contact Plymouth County to perform a standing-water check. Last year, Marion found one infected mosquito. As of May 22, the town will be taking requests for spraying private property (marionma.gov.)

            Marion will be among several towns to receive rabies vaccination distribution done May 9-12 by air and from May 7 to June 3 by station.

            As of April 18 per the CDC, the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer available to the general public, but ages 65-and-over remain eligible to receive another booster shot. Desmarais said she was waiting on state recommendations.

            Desmarais also told the board that Marion Finance Director Judy Mooney and Board of Health administrator Maureen Murphy visited Westport to get a better handle on the Betterment program that is not part of the collaborative.

            Desmarais is preparing an updated schedule of fees to address food establishments that currently do not have seasonal inspections.

            Johnson noted that permitting funds go into the town’s general budget and do not directly strengthen the Board of Health budget. “I’d like to keep the fees as low as possible. It’s kind of double taxation,” he said.

            Hoffer said the whole idea is, “if you have to keep going back and back, it should hurt a little bit.” Howard and Johnson agreed.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health was not scheduled upon adjournment.

Marion Board of Health

By Mick Colageo

Feathers and Fins

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Drop by the Mattapoisett Free Public Library at 7 Barstow Street on Thursday, May 11 between 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm and meet local potter Wendy Goldsmith, who has her “Feathers and Fins” exhibit currently up at the library. Chat with her and see some of the elements she uses to create her lovely pottery, then enjoy viewing her work on display.

Rochester Republican Town Committee Candidate Night

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The Rochester Republican Town Committee will be hosting a candidate night for Rochester candidates running for Select Board, ORR and Rochester Memorial School Committees. The candidate night will be held May 9 at the North Rochester Church 247 North Avenue beginning at 6:30 pm.

            Each candidate will be asked to provide a brief introduction of themselves followed by a question-and-answer period. The night will begin with a short presentation by Select Board member Brad Morse on the green community Town Meeting article.

            If you have any questions, you may call Bill Chamberlain at 508-272-6793 or by email at pauln75@verizon.net.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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The lead up to the Revolutionary War covered ten years or more. As England tried to recoup the money spent to fight France in the New World, new taxes were imposed on the colonists. The protests that followed caused a divide in the populace. On one side were those who wished to remain Englishmen and on the other side, those who felt it would be necessary to separate from the mother country.

            In 1768, the Boston Committee held a Convention at Faneuil Hall and asked towns to send representatives. Unlike some other area towns, Rochester sent delegates who were part of the passing of resolutions that protested the new taxing of the colonies.

            Many in the Plymouth Colony were apathetic toward the spirit of independence stirring in Boston. Rochester, however, was more responsive to appeals from there. When new resolutions came from the Boston Committee, the political divide in town widened.

            Samuel Sprague who had been the town’s long-time representative was suspected of having Tory sympathies and being pro-England. In response to that belief, Town Meeting voted that anyone who should, “Desert the Cause of Liberty” should be looked upon as, “an Enemy to his country & be treated with Neglect and Contempt.” Samuel Sprague was not reelected.

            This began a series of Town Meetings in 1774 that dealt with weightier issues than concerns about wandering livestock or how many alewives each household could harvest. After the tea tax was introduced, one meeting voted to, “abstain from the use of tea.” At another it was agreed, “To sign a covenant to break off trade with Great Britain.”

            Charles Nye was appointed to examine the town’s supply of munitions and Nathan Nye, Jr. was told to, “Make up the Town stock of powder to 400 weight with Lead and Flints answerable.” Those attending Town Meeting also voted to select officers to take command of military companies and that, “Every minute man (so-called) in Rochester to the number of One Hundred that shall attend Three Half Days in each week as shall be appointed by their Captain and Twice in a month in one Body to Learn the use of the Fire-licks.”

            These practices were held on the muster field pictured here. It’s a triangular piece of land adjacent to the cemetery. The men who trained were instructed to. “Be Ready to March when needed & Equip Himself with a Good Firearm.” For their participation they were entitled to one shilling a week provided by the “Provincial Congress.” As the months passed and the men drilled, the colonies moved closer to war with England.

            I hope you will join the Rochester Historical Commission and the Rochester Historical Society on May 7 at 2:00 in front of Town Hall to dedicate a memorial to these men who over 200 yrs. ago fought for independence and the birth of a new country.

By Connie Eshbach

Fire Chief Pleased with Concept

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Rochester Fire Chief Scott Weigel liked what he saw in the Master Plan-type development presented by Cambridge-based architect Ted Galante during Tuesday’s public meeting of the Rochester Public Safety Facility Feasibility Study Committee.

            “That’s pretty good, pretty much what we talked about on the Fire Department side,” said Weigel.

            The last version seen by Rochester Chief of Police Robert Small had been different, but he, too, eagerly looked forward to digesting a print version of Tuesday’s presentation and giving Galante the feedback he requests.

            Public-safety-building-specific construction costs, according to two independent estimators, said Galante, rose $40 within a week’s time from $820 per square foot to $860.

            The conceptual design was divided into three categories: modifications to the existing Police Station, a new Fire Station proposed for the Fairgrounds near the Acushnet town line and a potential substation off High Street.

            Hard construction costs are estimated to be $24,131,000 for a new, 28,000 square-foot fire station, $7,300,000 for a renovated, expanded police station and $8,182,040 for a substation.

            Soft costs, which were not discussed, are believed by committee members to reach one third of the hard construction costs.

            Achieving a conceptual design is but a baby step in what is expected to be a lengthy process that may not make it to Town Meeting floor until 2024.

            Galante, who appeared live via Zoom to a hybrid meeting evenly divided between remote participants and those in the Town Hall meeting room, said he will send the committee members digital and print versions aimed at developing a conceptual design reflecting conversations with respective Fire and Police personnel.

            With Rochester population expected to significantly increase via east-side projects such as Steen Realty’s approved but not yet built residential/commercial development at the junction of Routes 28 and 58, services will be needed and response time to emergencies significantly shortened. A High Street substation would cut in half the current response time to the Route 28 area.

            Meantime, the existing Police Station is being targeted for a makeover that would replace the existing sallyport and small meeting room with site modifications and the addition of a new, expanded sallyport and a one-story extension.

            Galante plans to expand the 2,300 square-foot building to use existing attic space. Noting that the upstairs is limited by lower ceilings in some areas, he suggested only some of the space is usable for items such as the evidence office, records and armory. Washrooms and locker rooms would remain in place, but renovation of a portion of the building would attempt to capture all of the programming.

            “There’s not a ton of expansion up in that area, but it makes sense to use some of that attic space,” he said.

            Expansion would result in 5,400 square feet of new building area. The reconstruction would bring about an expanded bay and processing, booking, holding and cells all in one, secured area. Administrative offices and interrogation would be adjacent. Revisions would include an IT room and placeholders for different existing elements.

            Work would also be done to get the HVAC equipment off the ground.

            The proposed ground floor of the new Fire Station combines a 118×96-foot apparatus bay attached to a 99×105-foot operations center.

            On the second floor would be two sets of stairs, one earmarked for egress and another designed to operate in both directions. There would be a retreat area, bunk rooms with windows to the outside, each room using gender-nonspecific restrooms. Fitness and laundry would also be located upstairs, and the fitness room located strategically placed to avoid bringing noise into the downstairs training room.

            The 80×90-foot substation is based on a 9.514 square-foot space aimed solely at function and proximity to an emerging need.

            “We think they’re at a pretty good design place for feedback from the departments,” said Galante. “We’re not trying to do anything fancy here…”

            Committee member Andrew Daniel suggested copying plans for the Fire Department’s exercise room in the renovated Police Station if possible. Galante agreed.

            Once Small has had ample opportunity to inspect the conceptual design presented Tuesday, he will meet with Galante to offer specific feedback.

            “We’ll probably have a good amount of this wrapped up in the next two to three weeks,” said Galante.

            Due to problems with audio transmission of the Zoom call during comments attempted from the Town Hall meeting room, the call was switched to speaker phone. Galante asked for follow-up comments.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Public Safety Facility Feasibility Study Committee has not been scheduled.

Rochester Public Safety Facility Feasibility Study Committee

By Mick Colageo

Field’s Drainage Plan Approved

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The April 20 Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals meeting issued a Variance and Special Permit to David Halle, 23 Grand View Avenue, for the construction of a detached 28×32-foot garage but not before hearing from abutters regarding flooding issues since construction of two homes on the adjacent lots.

            Representing Halle was Bob Field of Field Engineering, who listened intently to neighbors’ concerns. Field explained in detail plans to tie drainage piping to a detention area and the construction of a swale that would provide a barrier to adjoining lots. The board members were unanimous in their approval.

            Also heard were requests from Chase Wingate, 42 River Road, seeking a Special Permit for the construction of a family-related apartment for Debra Martin. The parcel is a 3.85 acre site allowing for setbacks as required by zoning regulations. Member Jordan Rodrigues commented, “We regularly allow these.” The Special Permit was unanimously approved.

            Also unanimously approved were Special Permits for Andrew Perkins, 10 Pinehurst Avenue, for the construction of a 12×24-foot addition, and Mark Hall for the construction of a single-family home on Laurel Street. This project has also been conditioned by the Conservation Commission.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals has been scheduled for Thursday, May 18, at 6:00 pm if there are cases to be heard.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Marilou Newell