Mattapoisett’s Planning Board discussed the important work of updating the town’s Master Plan during its meeting on March 1.
Chairman Tom Tucker spoke to the discussions that have already taken place on chapters of the document, such as housing and economic development. Looking forward, he said that on March 2, the chapters on cultural and natural resources, open space, and recreation would be explored.
A Master Plan is used by municipalities to assist a community in identifying areas of growth potential, improvement, and long-term goals. Volunteers to the process review current planning documents with an eye towards updating them through a consensus process. Once completed, a draft will be given to the Planning Board for further review. A fully vetted document will be presented at Town Meeting.
Acting as town planner in the short-term, former Town Administrator Mike Gagne urged residents to take an active role in the process. Although the committee has been set since last January, public input is the key to a successfully completed document, he said. A website has been set up by Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), which is assisting the town throughout the process. Complete details can be found at srpedd.org/community/Mattapoisett.
The board members also reviewed drafted language for a new Solar Bylaw and updated Flood Hazard Zoning. The necessity of including all FEMA maps, whether modified or existing, was noted for inclusion. Also, ground-mounted solar installations must be added as a section in the draft document or noted as outside the board’s purview. Public hearings for both are planned for April 5.
In other business, one application submitted for an Approval Not Required for property located at 18 Crystal Springs Road, filed by Raymond Hicks, was approved.
All other applications were continued and the filings extended. Those included: Randall Lane, LLC for a site plan review of a proposed solar array continued to March 15 and extended to April 19; Park Lane Extension for subdivision review filed by Andre Rieksts, Scott Atkinson, and Margo Wilson, continued and extended to April 5; modification of a Form C Definitive Subdivision, Selha Way, continued to April 4 and extended to May 3; 0 Randall Road, Form C subdivision plan, filed by Stephen Randon for property owned by Carl Hubacheck continued to March 15 and extended to April 19; and a Form A Not Required for property owned by Ryan Correia and located on Crystal Springs Road, continued to March 15.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for March 15 at 7:00 pm.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell