The Mattapoisett Conservation Commission meeting on Monday, February 13 drew a room full of residents who mostly came out to voice concerns on a Notice Of Intent application for a single-family house to be built on Crestfield Street.
Dave Davignon, from Schneider and Associates – representing the applicant of the project – presented plans to the Commission for the construction of a home on the 1.4 acre parcel of land, with 120 feet of frontage along Crestfield Street. They were proposing the construction of a driveway, to cross the wetlands, measuring 12 by 68 feet. In the original plans, the driveway was to be paved with gravel, but the revision stated that it would be paved with asphalt.
Another revision of the plan was to lower the base grade of the replication area in order to hold the volume of two inches of rainfall for the area of the rooftop. In addition, during construction, Mr. Davignon said that they would take care of cleaning up an intermittent stream that runs through the neighborhood to help the flow of water toward the local wetlands nearby.
Though only a few residents commented during the hearing, the main concerns were about possible flooding of other properties near the site. One abutter said he was worried that the flat, impermeable surfaces of the home, such as the roof and paved driveway, may hinder more efficient drainage of water. Mr. Davignon said that historically the area did not have a big issue with flooding, and that by maintaining the intermittent stream properly, the neighborhood should have no flooding issues.
Despite the concerns of the public, the Commission found that the plans were in compliance with the necessary laws and regulations.
Commission Chairman Peter Newton suggested to the abutting neighbors that they create a plan for maintenance of the stream and bring it before the Commission. They voted in favor of the revised plans, but issued a standard order of conditions regarding the diameter of drainage pipes.
The Commission also heard from John Cannell of Field Engineering, regarding a Notice Of Intent for roadway and drainage improvements on North Street. Mr. Cannell explained that they would reconstruct the roadway from Church Street to Water Street, including the addition of more catch basins, a water quality inlet with a bypass and filtration system, and the lengthening of the sidewalk. Commission member Tom Copps offered only one question about the frequency of maintenance. Mr. Connell said that it would be required up to twice per year.The Commission voted to approve the project as submitted.
Next, they heard from Doug Schneider, on behalf of Christine
Gibbons, who requested to build a retaining wall on the south side of her property. Commission member Bob Rogers said he had visited the site and does not believe the wall would negatively impact abutters.
Neighbor Ira Hill voiced concern that his property may experience heavier flooding, but Chairman Newton said the drainage would not run in the same direction as Mr. Hill’s property. The Commission then voted in favor of the new plans.
Then they heard from Rick Voci, regarding a Notice Of Intent for the construction of an industrial tower and wireless telecom compound on Marion Road. He was presenting revised plans for the site that included more detailed description of location of the access road, sedimentation control, and drainage. The Commission voted in favor of the plans, but issued a condition that construction may not occur within 15 feet of bordering vegetative wetland.
The Commission then heard from Dean Whitla and his Notice Of Intent to install a new septic system at 68 Fairhaven Road. The current septic system is located well below the water table. Mr. Whitla wanted to replace the old system with a new one that sits higher than the local water table, so as to avoid any potential health hazards. He also wanted to raise the overall grade of the area to prevent flooding. There was no vote on this issue.
Next, they heard from Rick Sharon of Sharon and Associates, on behalf of Fadi Heneine. He filed a Notice Of Intent to construct a new single-family home on Fairhaven Road. Mr. Sharon said there were plans to build a home on the site in 2002, by the prior owner, who died a few years ago.
They are proposing a smaller house than the original plans outlined. The Commission’s main issue with the site was with the septic system, part of which is exposed about 18 inches above grade. Mr. Newton was concerned that if they could not cover the remaining area of the septic, the whole system would need to be removed and replaced.
The Commission voted to accept the project, pending their approval of updated plans that would reflect the height of the septic system.
The Commission then heard from David Davignon, representing an applicant who filed a Notice Of Intent to demolish and rebuild a home at 16 Ocean Drive. Mr. Davignon said the new home would be built elsewhere on the property so that the owners could live in the old cottage until the new structure was complete. They plan on using the property as their retirement residence. Mr. Davignon also said that the existing cottage does not adhere to FEMA flood zone regulations and the new home will. The Commission voted in favor of the project.
Lastly, they heard from Alan Decker, of the Coalition for
Buzzards Bay and Gary Johnson, of the Mattapoisett Land trust. Mr. Decker discussed purchasing a conservation restriction on 307 acres of land in the Old Aucoot area. Mr. Decker would like to preserve the area and keep it free from development, and open it to public access for recreational purposes.
The proposal includes plans to restore a large grove of old blueberry bushes, as well as the clearing of space for a few parking spots, and construction of a small storage shed. The Commission voted to approve the municipal certification for the land.
By Eric Tripoli