Developer Matthew Zuker is looking for a reprieve from some of the restrictions on his proposed 48-unit affordable housing project so the development can begin constructing roads and possibly some model homes.

             The Planning Board held a lengthy hearing on this topic at the Novediteember 18 meeting and asked Zuker to review an engineering plan from Field Engineering, work with the Department of Public Works and other local officials before allowing any work.

             Zuker mentioned that there are many variables to the project, such as extending town water to the site and town sewer. Zuker said because some of these issues are beyond the development’s control, he asked for some leniency.

            Zuker and Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee mentioned that there is a homeowner association covenant in place that restricts the project from moving forward until all infrastructure is in place.

            Zuker said extending the sewer to the development is a small issue, but the town is working on a larger project to extend the water line – an issue only the town can resolve.

            “It would be problematic for us from a timing perspective,” Zuker said about meeting all infrastructure demands before construction can take place.

             “We certainly can’t have anything done without sewer and water and it is something we are actively trying to meet with the town on how we can get there,” Zuker also said.

             Zuker said he would like to work with fire officials toward building a road and getting the development ready for public safety needs. He said it would be helpful to start building some model homes and noted that there would be no occupancy – especially without sewer or water – until all infrastructure demands are met.

             Planning Board member Eilleen Marum, reading an independent report from Field Engineering, noted that there are drainage, stormwater, and environmental concerns that must first be addressed. She said that the report was dated October 28, and Zuker said he has not yet reviewed the report.

             Marum said reviewing that report is a necessary step.

             “The residents of Marion are all for this project, but they all want it to be done right. I want it to be done right and I’m sure you do too,” Marum said.

            Zuker agreed to have his engineer work with Field Engineering toward plans to resolve any concerns about drainage issues, as well as stormwater run-off any potential environmental concerns.

            Planning Board members told Zuker to continue to work with town officials on the water and sewer extension plans, as well as the storm-water and environmental concerns from Field Engineering.

            Zuker said he believes most of Field Engineering’s reviews are technicalities that can be worked out.

            According to Zuker’s presentation earlier this year, the development would encompass 30 acres and feature 36 detached dwellings and 12 townhouses for a total of 48 units

            The board voted to continue Zuker’s hearing to the December 2 meeting.

            The board on November 18 also approved Johnson Family Investment LLC’s business plan to remove a single-family home on Mill Street and build a parking lot for its business plaza.

            The board will meet again December 2 at 6:00 pm at the Marion Police Station.

Marion Planning Board

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

On November 21, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library Board of Trustees held their regular monthly meeting. But the meeting was far from regular as the board took up the matter of the library director’s sudden resignation.

            After eight months on the job as the library director, Colleen Tierney resigned. Tierney had relocated from Texas to take over the vacancy created when Jennifer Jones left to take a directorship in a nearby community. Now the town once again finds itself tasked with filling an important role in the fabric of the town and its character.

            During the board meeting, it surfaced that Tierney had been approached by Mathew Vangel of the Dartmouth-based Lamb of God Christian Church in asking about policies and procedures related to use of a community room in the library. He sought to hold Bible studies in the public space.

            There ensued a series of exchanges between Vangel and Tierney and between Tierney and the Select Board’s office beginning in June 2024. During the trustees’ meeting, its members said that Tierney never told them or the Select Board of difficulties she had with Vangel’s request.

             In a follow-up with Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, he stated that such difficulties “never came up” during his conversations with Tierney.

            Lorenco also stated both during the meeting and the follow-up that the Select Board engaged legal counsel after receiving a demand letter from Vangel’s legal team for use of the library space. “The board decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Vangel for use of the library space,” Lorenco confirmed.

            During the board meeting, the trustees made it clear that they were unaware of any difficulties between Vangel and Tierney that would have prompted her resignation. They also believed they should have been informed of the brewing uneasiness.

            The trustees agreed collectively that it was time to review and overhaul the existing library handbook and take a hard look at various policies. Trustee William Coquillette stated, “We need to up our game, not be complacent.” Donald Fleming, a trustee, said, “We should have known about this.”

            Lorenco said at the meeting that Tierney had “felt differently” about the MOU but that the Select Board, on advice of counsel, decided to sign it allowing Vangel to use the library’s community room while following established policies. Lorenco said, regarding legal matters, it is the Select Board’s responsibility. “I don’t make the decisions for the town, I’m just the store manager,” he said.

            In the meantime, Library Trustees Chairman Ruth Joliffe said that the former director, Susan Pizzolatto, has returned on a part-time basis to help out. The trustees plan to create a new search committee that would include one or more residents.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Library Trustees is scheduled for December 19 at 4:00 pm in the library’s Marine Room.

Mattapoisett Free Public Library Board of Trustees

By Marilou Newell