The Mattapoisett Planning Board had its work cut out for them on the night of Monday, April 2 as they tried to wade through questions regarding the new special residential subdivision on Brandt Island Road. In a recent Conservation Commission meeting, several abutters to the developing properties raised concerns that what was being built in their neighborhood was not what was approved by the town. In an effort to clear the air, the Planning Board held a public hearing tonight to hash out some of the details with the abutters and John E. Williams, Esquire, who represented the builder of the first and only home thus far in the new development.
The Board said that the initial drawings submitted before the official plans were accepted are quite different and caused concern that the project is not being completed as approved. “My concern is this: This board approved a set of plans, and you as the developer are taking what was presented and doing something completely different,” said board member Ronald Merlo.
He noted the placement of the driveway was inconsistent with the approved plans. “These drawings are just the conceptual ideas for the development,” Williams said as he addressed those concerns. He argued that all of the houses were all going to fit within their respective building envelopes, which was, in fact, in line with the approved plans.
“Every one of those lots has a building envelope on it, and you approved those plans,” Williams said.
After almost an hour of back-and-forth, the Board asked Williams to discuss with them any potential changes in the plans before they begin constructing on other lots.
The Planning Board also held a public hearing to further discuss the plans of Industrial Tower and Wireless to build a 145-foot cell phone tower and maintenance facility off Marion Road. Kevin Delaney, from Industrial Tower, exhibited a Power Point presentation illustrating where the tower would be erected, what it would look like, and where they expect to see improved communication coverage.
The hearing was continued so that Industrial Tower and Wireless could conduct a balloon test, which would give Mattapoisett residents an idea of the visual impact of the tower. Delaney said that since the area is so heavily wooded, the tower would not be noticeable.
The Board also spoke with Town Administrator Mike Gagne and Department of Conservation and Recreation representative Eric Carlson to discuss changes in the flood plain maps. The updated maps now include several hundred more residents who may be required to purchase flood insurance for their homes. Under FEMA’s National Flood Insurance program, homeowners living in flood areas may purchase flood insurance from the government at lower cost than purchasing insurance from private companies.
Banks require homes within flood plain maps to have flood insurance in addition to homeowner’s insurance. Without flood insurance, many residents would not be able to afford their homes. Board member John Mathieu took issue with the program, suggesting that the federal government is not offering any other alternatives other than to force homeowners to buy into the program.
“It’s like the federal government is saying, ‘Take it or take it.’ There’s no choice here,” Mathieu said.
Gagne, however, cited the fact that FEMA reimbursed the town of Mattapoisett for much of the damage incurred by Hurricanes Irene and Bob, and without that money, the town would be faced with an immense financial burden.
The Board decided to schedule a special hearing on April 30 to continue the discussion so that it may be brought forth at Town Meeting later in the spring.
The next regular meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board will be on May 7 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall. There will be no meeting on April 16 because of Patriots Day.
By Eric Tripoli