During the agent’s report given by Elizabeth Leidhold, the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission heard that Blue Wave Capital LLC’s Tinkham Hill Road solar project will now be constructed in two phases. Phase 1 was planned to begin by January 27, 2014, with Phase 2 planned for a future date. The commission’s office received the new plans the morning of the meeting and didn’t feel they had sufficient time to study any impact on wetlands given the plan changes. The commission felt they needed to review the project’s new scope to ensure that wetland protections were still not compromised. It was also noted that the ZBA may need to review the revised project plans given the change in scope. An increase in the number of solar panels was an additional change to the original plans. They decided to put the issue on the agenda for the next meeting to ensure that the ConCom process could be held with full public oversight. Acting Chairman Bob Rogers directed Leidhold to contact Blue Wave’s contact person to schedule their appearance at the next meeting.
Earlier in the evening the commission members heard a number of applications. The first was from Leon Halle for property in trust from David Halle located at 4 Shore View Avenue. The applicant was seeking approval to renovate a deck area into a three-season room. After some discussion regarding the gravel and concrete on grade construction, the commission voted for a negative finding with standard de-watering conditions. The project was approved.
Next up was Heidi Payne of 109 Marion Road, site of the former Spring Meadow Farm, regarding the installation of fencing to enclose alpacas. The proposed fence would be situated in a former bog area. However, the topography of the land would need some sculpting to ensure proper installation of the fence so that prey animals would not be able to enter the enclosure from under the wire fencing. There was also review of a flume that once serviced the bog. The commission members wanted that structure to stay as is to prevent water flow into neighboring properties. Payne was in agreement with that request. On the subject of animal waste entering the fresh water system, she explained that animal waste was removed from the enclosure daily, collected and contained for later used as fertilizer for gardens. Her request received approval through a negative finding with use of hay bales along one portion of the reconfigured bog.
Joseph and Dora Doubrava were represented by their son in their application to build a single car garage attached to the home located at 28 Brandt Beach Road via a mudroom. Doubrava explained that his parents purchased the home with assurance that this type of modification would not be a problem. With their mobility issues of concern, they wished to build a single car garage and to move the washing machine and dryer to the mudroom space for easier access. Abutters at 26 Brandt Beach Road, the Bender family, were concerned that storm water drainage from a new garage roof would add to increasingly problematic water flow onto their property. Rogers said that in his many years of professional engineering experience and study through working for the commission that water run-off would not be increased simply by adding a 16’ x 20’ garage roof. The Benders were not much assured and pressed on with the issues of water in their yard. They said that since the sewer project had been completed and the road repaired, their property is now flooded regularly. Rogers said, “I don’t think you are going to see any changes in the neighborhood from this project.” He said that Doubrava had a right to build a garage of the size planned. Wetlands delineations the owners had completed, however, were not accepted and will require verification. The project was approved.
Jon Connell of Field Engineering then came forward representing Denise Cassese regarding a new home construction for Harbor Road. The proposed single-family dwelling construction would require filling in some wetlands with a proviso for wetland replication at another location within the site. Abutter Tyler McCallister voiced his concern about water flow onto his property, although he was not against development of the site. It was determined that Leidhold would work closely with Connell moving forward to ensure proper installation of the replication site, delineation flagging and associated wetland issues. The project plans will be enhanced to note placement of a utility pole. The project was approved with standard conditions.
Finally coming before the commission was Highway Supervisor Barry Denham, seeking guidance for drainage issues at the intersection of Atkinson’s Way (a private road) and Water Street. After explaining the concerns he has for the manner in which a newly renovated driveway was completed and the need to address questions of the homeowners on how best to proceed with drain repairs and upgrades, Denham was told to have the residents reach out to the commission. Denham will let the residents know they may come before the commission to review storm water drainage problems they are facing.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is February 24 at 6:30 pm.
By Marilou Newell
