A two-lot subdivision proposed for Windward Way at the junction of Shore View Avenue and Mattapoisett Neck Road in a low-lying beach neighborhood has generated considerable interest on the part of community members and abutters. As it had when coming before the Mattapoisett ZBA on March 18, where the two lots received special permits for residential construction projects, concerns over stormwater management and existing intermittent flooding were aired.
Coming now before the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission, engineer David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon, & Leone Inc. outlined the project filed by CJC Construction Corporation.
Letters of concern and other communication from neighbors regarding the construction sites expressed opposition to the development of the two lots, given existing stormwater problems. Davignon explained changes to the plans that would help and possibly resolve those issues.
Davignon described drainage features not previously considered, features such as shallow lawn drainage basins with underground recharge capabilities, recharge trenches along the property lines, and roof runoff underground catchment systems, along with gravel driveways versus paved. “The grassy depressions will act as recharge basins and will defuse water on the site as well as water coming from the roadway,” he explained.
Regarding the viability of the lots, which first received permitting as part of a larger subdivision in 1947, Davignon said, “These changes (to the plan) should improve drainage in the area.” But the neighbors remained unconvinced, with several asking the commission to hire a peer-review consultant.
Speaking on behalf of herself and several other households, Nicole Balthazar read from prepared notes, all speaking to the neighborhood’s historic stormwater problems and frequent flooding. She said that the changes in the plans were submitted at “the eleventh hour” and that it was “prudent and logical” for the commission to require a peer’s oversight of the submitted plans.
Echoing Balthazar’s comment were other neighbors and abutters, all of whom felt more eyes were needed to ensure the development of the lots would not end up exacerbating stormwater flooding in the area. One resident questioned the use of the word “hopefully” that Davignon had used in conjunction with the drainage operation planned. Davignon responded, “The whole neighborhood has problems. We can only take care of our project. There aren’t any stormwater features throughout the neighborhood.… Clearly, these will be improvements.” He concluded by saying, “I encourage the neighbors to invest in installing drainage basins.”
Chairman Michael King encouraged Davignon to visit with the abutters and others before re-opening the Notice of Intent filing and added that the commission would take their comments under advisement. The filing was continued until April 12.
A Request for Determination of Applicability, filed by Bruce Rocha Sr. for property located at lot 6 Park Place, received a negative determination after a presentation on the improvements to an existing drainage system were detailed by Davignon.
Rocha, Davignon said, owns the lot that includes municipally-owned drainage systems. Now, due to existing non-functioning drainage features, improvements and repositioning of certain drainage basins are required. He said that, although the town owns the drainage system, Rocha would fund the improvements himself.
Davignon said that Highway Surveyor Barry Denham was consulted about the plan and gave his approval.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, April 12, at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell