The long awaited report from Field Engineering on the condition of the Brandt Point Village subdivision is in, and it isn’t good.
Bob Field, principal and founder of Field Engineering, Mattapoisett, the Town’s peer review partner, submitted his report to the Planning Board on July 18. Field’s report listed a number of deficiencies, a familiar list of problems that have plagued residents living in Phase 1 of the massive development.
As Field presented his 16-page report to the board members – along with his bill for $6,890 – he said, “Once we got involved with the as-built plans, it was much bigger than anticipated…. There is an extreme amount of work … there is an extensive amount of stuff, a substantial amount of work yet to be done.”
One of the major deficiencies documented by Field was the stormwater management system. Field noted that the system was installed with undersized drains and insufficient layering of gravel that would ensure the integrity of the road above.
“Catch basins throughout the site don’t meet standards,” Field explained. He said they were too small and placed in a shallow position that over time would cause the asphalt surfaces to fail.
Field told the board it might elect to establish a modification to the state standards allowing some of the basins to remain in place while mandating that others be fixed. But Chairman Tom Tucker thought otherwise.
“I got no problem making them tear it up and make it right,” he told Field. Field responded that there was “no getting around” five or six of the suspect drains that need to be replaced, but Tucker said, “The contractor took a shortcut.”
Highway Superintendent Barry Denham confirmed suspicions he has verbalized over many months of discussions, that roadway construction and drainage issues at the site were not meeting requirements. But regarding the size of the catch basins reported to be four inches versus the standard eight inches, he said, “I didn’t know.” He said that although he made frequent visits to the construction site to keep an eye on things, over the years there was no way to witness this installation due to lack of notification by the contractors.
Tucker concluded, “Their engineer is going to have to come up with a solution. Everything they tell me…. They want to do what’s right, let them put their money where there mouth is.”
Other problems noted in Field’s report are lack of testing of the sewer system and failure of the Phase 1 roadway.
Tucker asked the residents of the development if the newest team of owners had been in contact with them to discuss repairs. They confirmed not a single call had been placed. Denis Demos, one of the residents who has become a fixture at Planning Board meetings said, “Their contractor told me they were building houses in two weeks,” referring to Phase 2 of the project.
Tucker, now clearly frustrated, said, “Four times I’ve asked for a cease and desist!”
However, outgoing Planning Board Secretary Tammy Ferreira said, “You never really followed through.” Tucker responded that each time a cease and desist had been sought, new owners came forward with new plans to take care of all the problems.
Planning Board member Mary Crain was confused and asked, “Why isn’t town counsel issuing action?” Tucker replied, “We are very limited. We have to ask the town administrator if we can talk to town counsel.”
Planning Board member Karen Field made a motion to contact the town administrator requesting legal assistance to issue a cease and desist if necessary. The motion was passed.
Regarding the question of what dollar amount should be imposed on the owner/developer, Omega Financial Group of Rhode Island, Field recommended $1.5 million.
In other business, Tree Warden Roland Cote received approval to remove a diseased tree at the corner of Barstow and Church Streets. He also said that in the nine years he has headed up this department, he has planted 30 trees.
Bob Field, representing Mahoney and Sons for property located on the north side of Route 6 between Yard Boss and Shipyard Galley, received preliminary commercial development plan approval. Field said the owners were seeking a letter from the Planning Board in support of their conceptual plan in order to obtain permission to make curb cuts on the state highway. The board members voted to provide the needed document.
A letter of resignation was read into the minutes from veteran Planning Board member John Mathieu. Mathieu explained via the missive that after nine years, it was necessary for him to step aside immediately due to the demands of his profession and charitable activities.
Before closing the meeting, Tucker noted that Secretary Tammy Ferreira was also “leaving us.” On July 19, the Board of Selectmen will formally accept her resignation.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for August 1 at 7:00 pm in the town hall conference room.
By Marilou Newell