Planning Board Discusses Affordable Housing

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            It’s been a topic of conversation for many years, the fact that Mattapoisett has low available housing stock and even fewer units that could be considered affordable. On August 3, local real estate developer Ryan Correia came before the Mattapoisett Planning Board, remotely, to informally discuss subdivision options for property located at 3 Crystal Springs Road at the intersection of Acushnet Road.

Accompanying Correia as he laid out the initial conceptual design for the 21.63 acres was Nyles Zager of Zenith Consulting Engineers, Lakeville.

            The conceptual plans as described would include eight single-family homes on large lots in the town’s RR80 district. Those homes would have three or four bedrooms and two or more baths serviced by septic systems. But Correia said he wanted to plan the project that “…the town wants.”

            Correia said, “This concept is a by-rights project, but we could look at 40B housing or senior units also.” He said before his team invested in a variety of development options they wanted to home in on what the town would find most acceptable.

            “There are massive resources and wetlands in there,” said Zager said of the parcel. He said that the single-family concept versus cluster units, duplexes, apartments, or condominiums would, “fit the land with ample open spaces.” But other designs were not out of the question, he stated. Zager noted that multi-unit designs would mean far more engineering and time, given the wetlands on the property, and that it is an area significant to Massachusetts Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.

            “These single-family homes will be designed to fit into the natural landscape,” said Zager.

            The subdivision concept as presented would include three lots with frontage on Crystal Spring Road and a roadway with cul-de-sac for five more. “But we are looking for your input,” Correia reiterated.

            Several board members commented that affordable housing is something the town needs with member Janice Robbins saying later in the discussion, “It seems clear we need more affordable housing in Mattapoisett. This plan will just be more homes, not affordable… Cluster housing done right could be very effective.” Member Karen Field clearly stated, “We need 40B.”

            While the board members agreed that affordable housing is needed, where such housing should be placed remained an open question. With the writing of an updated Master Plan that the Planning Board is in the early stages of undertaking, its members felt this question might be answered. But acknowledging the Master Plan update is in its infancy, Chairman Tom Tucker said, “We might be putting the horse before the cart.”

            Zager said that other concepts would mean the overall project would take much longer, whereas the plan as presented could move right along with a fall start date. Correia again said he wanted the town’s feedback.

            “Part of my reluctance to speak out more is it’s hard to evaluate a project just in concept,” Robbins said. “The devil is in the details. Any one of your ideas could be acceptable.”

            As the discussion drew to a close, Tucker told Correia that he needed to get feedback from the Highway Department, Fire Department, Police Department and any other applicable town agency before returning to the board with definitive plans.

            Tucker also cautioned Correia, saying, “This concept fits with neighborhood. If you propose 40B, you’ll get significant pushback from the neighbors.”

            Correia said his team would look at other options and take everything into consideration before returning with new plans.

            In other business, Tucker said that a plan to construct a solar-array access road off Long Plain Road for an array planned just over the town line in Acushnet should have been formally submitted to the Planning Board for review. As it was, the proposal came to the attention of the board by way of the Building Department’s director, Andy Bobola.

            Bobola asked the board to weigh in on whether or not informal plans showed adequate construction planning. In a follow-up, he said that when a driveway or roadway was in one town but the project in another, “It brings up legal issues – which town is responsible for fire and police services?”

            Robbins asked that Town Counsel be asked for guidance, given the possible complexities of a project spanning two different municipalities.

            Tucker felt the issues around the proposed roadway were more complex than a quick review of what he believed to be inadequate plans. “They could have submitted this in time for this meeting. This didn’t just come up,” he said. Planning Board administrator Mary Crain said she would reach out to the property owners and invite them to the next meeting.

            Regarding the Master Plan, Crain was asked to secure firm dates for initial meetings and workshops, both of which would include two Planning Board members and town-wide volunteers. Grant King from Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) has been coordinating with Crain and will be the facilitator throughout the process.

            Tucker was firm in his belief that the committee should be primarily populated by residents, not town employees or committee members. “It’s their town,” he said. Crain said that there would be an initial meeting with town employees at the request of the Town Administrator Mike Lorenco to help familiarize them with the process. An initial date of August 26 at 7:00 pm is possible, Crain said. As a public meeting, it will be posted at mattapoisett.net.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for August 31 at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Filling Ken’s Shoes

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It was a hot day in July 2009, and I was taking pictures of hand-crafted marionettes at the annual Harbor Days in Mattapoisett Shipyard Park. As I meandered the booths, I felt both excited and nervous – I was the News Editor of The Wanderer now! THE Wanderer! Having been both a Mattapoisett resident, and an English major, I was dazzled to be both recognized by a reputable publication, and to be actually working in my field.

Then I was humbled. An elderly man approached me – I wish I could tell you his name, but all these years later, I simply don’t remember – he looked at my fancy Canon camera and my freshly-minted Wanderer press badge and said, “You have big shoes to fill. Everyone loved Ken.”

He went on to tell me what a good person Ken Souza was, how he represented The Wanderer very well, and how he hoped I would continue the tradition of fair, unbiased, and honest reporting. In the weeks and months that followed, I would get more of the same appeals from the public. “Don’t go making a bunch of changes! We liked how Ken was reporting!” People would tell me how respectful Ken was, how kind he was, and how fair he was in his reporting style.

You see, I was the first News Editor of The Wanderer after Ken spent 17 years in the role. Spoiler alert: I did make some changes, mainly in the way of social media, but for the most part, I continued the tradition of Ken’s style, making sure The Wanderer reported the facts without sensationalism or muckraking.

Over the years, I would run into Ken, as we were residents of the same town. In 2017, I started coordinating an annual Fairhaven Police National Night Out, and Ken was kind enough to offer his (amazing) DJ services for the event, pro bono. He did it every year because he was kind, helpful, generous with his time and spirit, and a big community supporter. And he did it all in a quiet and unassuming way. 

The world needs more Kens. It is truly a sad week for us all at The Wanderer.

By Anne O’Brien (formerly Anne Kakley)

The Marion Scholarship Committee

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The Marion Scholarship Committee has two funds: The Scholarship Fund raises money for scholarships for graduating high school seniors; the Education Fund helps provide capital expenses for Sippican School. These are difficult times for students, many of whom question their ability to afford college. Administrators at Sippican School are struggling with unforeseen needs. The Scholarship Committee hopes Marion can help.

            In the spring of 2019, the Committee had the difficult but happy task of reviewing applications submitted to the Scholarship Fund. After a great deal of discussion, one student was awarded the scholarship. At that time the Committee also was able to provide Sippican School a needed charging cart for Chromebooks, with funds coming from the Education Fund. Little did the Committee realize that the Covid-19 virus would stop their fundraising and their ability to award scholarships and school aid for almost a year.

            The Committee is now able to meet again but, due to the need for social distancing, many means of fundraising are not possible. This makes our appeal to the public even more important.  The Scholarship Fund and the Education Fund are both entirely made possible through the generosity of Marion citizens. Many people saw the small notice about these funds that was enclosed with the tax bill and responded with donations, and we thank you. We are hopeful that enough money can be raised this year to provide more than one scholarship to deserving high school seniors. In addition, Sippican School is in need of some equipment to better serve students who are learning remotely. The Education Fund will help provide some of this.

            If you are able to make a donation of any size it will be greatly appreciated. Please send checks made out to Marion Scholarship Committee, care of Town of Marion 2 Spring Street, Marion, MA 02738. Please indicate whether your donation should go to the Scholarship Fund or the Education Fund. Thank you.

Solar Farm at Eldredge Bogs Gets Green Light

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            In a brief remote meeting held on August 4, the Rochester Conservation Commission worked to close out a public hearing for a Notice of Intent filing pertaining to the construction of a canopy solar array that dated back to June.

            Sarah Stearns of Beals and Thomas, Inc. represented Hingham-based Hank Ouimet Renewable Energy Development Partners and brought to the commission minor changes that were made to her proposal after her meeting with the Rochester Planning Board. The solar canopy and canal system to be constructed at the Eldredge Bogs off Pierce Street required modifications to the northern portion of the site in order to comply with the necessary 100-foot setback to an abutting property.

            “The northern portion of the proposal was too close to the property line,” Stearns told the commission. “We amended the canopy and added a length of canopy in the southern part of the array to make up for the loss in the northern area.”

            The amended plans include reorganization of significant areas of solar canopies around the site in order to keep the potential power output of the solar array similar while also adhering to the Planning Board’s requests. The changes leave some areas of the canal completely uncovered by the solar canopies and include extensions to southern canals to make up for the lost panels.

            Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon explained that peer-review engineer Henry Nover had reviewed the project and found that the updated plans adequately satisfy all of the town’s requirements. Farinon recommended that the project receive the commission’s approval provided that a meeting is held prior to construction and a wildlife sweep of the area take place before the start of canal work. Following Farinon’s recommendation, the commission voted to issue an Order of Conditions for the project, allowing construction to go forward.

            With the commission’s only public hearing closed out, Farinon spoke to the anticipated increase of projects to come in the future and the impact it would have on Nover.

            “Henry Nover has been our peer consultant and he typically reviews the engineering portions and stormwater standards for our projects,” Farinon explained. “Henry is semi-retired. He has recommended that we get an additional review engineer on board so that we have another available consultant.”

            Farinon suggested that the commission consider potential candidates for the position as well as another wetland scientist who could also be available in the case of a heavy influx of proposed projects. Vice Chairman Daniel Gagne agreed that a review of different professionals and firms would allow the commission to choose the candidate best qualified for the position. The commission agreed to continue the discussion in their next meeting to give ample time for board members to sufficiently review the qualifications of any proposed engineers.

            The next Rochester Conservation meeting will be held remotely over the Zoom platform on Tuesday, August 18, at 7:00 pm.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Matthew Donato

ORR Tweaks Seating Plan for Commencement

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            In keeping with a plan established several weeks ago, Old Rochester Regional High School will hold graduation exercises in-person on Saturday, August 8, at 10:00 am, with a rain date of 10:00 am on August 9 (rain or shine). What has changed are the seating arrangements.

            The 175 graduates who have all been invited to attend with only members of their immediate households, will be seated on the field with their families in what the school is calling a pod.

            “Once they’re in their pod, they have to stay in their pods,” said ORR Principal Michael Devoll. Each graduate will be dismissed with her/his pod to maintain social distance.

            An earlier version of the seating plan only reversed the traditional position of students and families and was going to sit graduates with safe spacing in the football bleachers and their families socially distanced on the field. The new plan keeps the graduates with their households.

            In an abbreviated ceremony, there will be no speeches but only brief greetings from Devoll and Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson.

            “The main speaker, the valedictorian, that will be the speech,” said Devoll, referring to Rachel Perry, a school-choice student from New Bedford.

            After Perry speaks, the graduates will be called to the podium to pick up their diplomas.

            Families will be limited to two cars and can only enter the campus via the Marion entrance off of Route 6 down the hill from the tennis courts.

            Graduates have had their caps and gowns since June, but in an event similar to the June yearbook pickup, they were scheduled this week to pick up medals and Honor Society cords so they can wear them for graduation.

            By the end of the day on July 31, public schools were to submit to the state three plans for return to school with priority being placed on the in-person plan. The alternate plans would be the hybrid and remote learning models.

            Many towns’ school buildings can barely service the number of students that are enrolled, so the hybrid model that Devoll described as “cohorts at home and at school” is necessary for most districts. Some towns reportedly have already stated the intention to return to school with a hybrid model and an option for families to choose remote-only education.

            “That (model) seems to makes a lot of sense for the high school,” said Devoll, who said the Tri-Town communities must know ORR’s plan by August 11.

By Mick Colageo

Habitat for Humanity Home Back on Track

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            On August 3, 2019, the second Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity home in the Tri-Town broke ground in Mattapoisett. The Route 6 parcel was donated by David and Jessica Nicolosi. The couple also donated excavation services.

            Over time as the project motored along through the fall and winter months, the number of sub-contractors and suppliers grew to an astounding 27 different businesses including local banking services. The basement’s concrete was poured, framing for the single-family home went up, and various other “rough-in” processes were completed.

            Then in March 2020, everything came to an abrupt halt as this project, along with everything else except the basics for survival, was impacted by the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic. “COVID-19 shut us down,” said Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Christine Lacourse, who added that while there was always a plan to restart the construction, it was a very disheartening period of time for both the prospective homeowner and the BBAHH.

            Work had resumed in May 2020, Lacourse said, after a two-and-a-half-month delay. On July 31, at last, the roof was placed on the home, nearly a full year from the groundbreaking ceremony. It was clear things were once again moving and in the right direction.

            Lacourse said that under normal circumstances, the HH model utilizes almost exclusively volunteered labor, but, “We couldn’t do that this time.” She explained that given the projected timeline for completion, it has become necessary to use “professionals.” Lacourse pointed out that the roofing company donated the labor while another business has donated the roofing materials. “Without their help we couldn’t get things done.”

            Other professional trades that have committed to donate labor will be the drywall installers, plasterers, and painters, but Lacourse added, “There will be volunteers as well.” She also added that the project is still seeking donations.

            As for the soon-to-be, first-time homeowner, a single mother of two small children, she couldn’t be happier. A full-time employee working in the health care industry, Jessica hasn’t had time to dwell on her own problems, but in the back of her mind, she’s held onto the future and homeownership. “It’s such a blessing… it means everything.” She learned about Habitat for Humanity through the mother of one of her children’s friends who encouraged her to try and to complete an application.

            Jessica said that she works on the home every weekend, sometimes bringing along family and friends, although only her willingness and ability to do hands-on work is expected by BBAHH. She said that the volunteers, many of whom possess building skills, have been great. “I’ve learned so much; they are good teachers,” she said.

            The program requires that applicants prove US citizenship, establish need for shelter, ability to pay, willingness to partner, and be a resident of the service area. BBAHH covers the towns of Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, Wareham, and Westport.

            Of the application process, Jessica said it was well worth the effort and that, although it was a fairly complex process, the BBAHH staff was “amazing.

            “The outcome is so worth it; the children will have a home for life.”

By Marilou Newell

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

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St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, next to the Town Beach in Mattapoisett, will have 8:00 am services August 9 with the Rev. Marc Eames, Rector, The Church of the Advent, Medfield, MA.  Masks are required and all other safety precautions will be in place at the church. All are welcome.

CENSUS 2020

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Dear Editor,

            Counting everyone in our town thru the CENSUS 2020 will greatly benefit our community for schools, roads and public services. It will also affect emergency needs and the number of seats in the US House of Rep. and your political Rep. at all levels of government. Please take a few minutes and do your part in participating in the US CENSUS 2020.

            Exercise your right to Vote on November 3, 2020. As a proud American, it is our right and privilege.

            Sincerely,

Jane Awad, Mattapoisett

                  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.

Mrs. Jeanne L. (Hiller) Bell

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Mrs. Jeanne L. (Hiller) Bell, 65, of Marion died Tuesday August 4, 2020.

            She was the wife of the late Harold W. Bell, Jr.

            Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Bruce T. and Patricia M. (Barrows) Hiller.

            Survivors include her son, Gianno T. Lettieri, IV and his wife Tracy A. Lettieri of Marion; a brother, Bruce E. Hiller of Marion; a grandchild, Kylie; and 3 nieces.

            Private arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com

EEE High-Risk Level

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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that EEE virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Carver and Middleboro, Massachusetts.  Since Rochester is a bordering town, Rochester has been changed to a High-Risk Level for EEE. High-risk level means that conditions in our area are likely to lead to an infection of a person with EEE.

            EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under15 years of age or over 50 years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness.  

            By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

            •Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. The Rochester Board of Health recommends rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.

            •Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

            •Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. 

            •Additional Information can be obtained at www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

            •Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.  

            •Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

            The Health Director for the Rochester Board of Health continues to work closely with the MDPH and Plymouth County Mosquito Control. 

Information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito