Coming before the Mattapoisett Planning Board on Tuesday night was Mattapoisett resident Hugh Rowlett of 32 Split Rock Lane. Rowlett said he was speaking not only for himself but for some 21 other homeowners living in the Preserve at the Bay Club neighborhood of Split Rock Lane, expressing deep concerns about roadway conditions.
Stating that he has experience in subdivision development processes and construction practices, Rowlett said that the lane in question is exhibiting advanced deterioration and that the roadway had not been prepared to specifications. Rowlett said not only were layers of gravel and binders constructed incorrectly and thus deteriorating, utility structures were installed unevenly and incorrectly constructed.
“There is evidence that the binder coat is thinner than (specified) and was applied during the winter when the ground was frozen,” said Rowlett, adding that winter weather events result in heavy ponding and large ice patches dangerous to pedestrians.
Rowlett provided photographic evidence of the current condition of Split Rock Lane and asked that the Planning Board intercede on behalf of the homeowners before a topcoat is applied. He asked that specific requests be made of the developer such as a redesign of the road, a survey of the road, addressing comments made by peer-review consultant Ken Motta of Field Engineering, and an engineer’s report to the Planning Board once repairs have been made. Rowlett stated, “We are counting on you guys … homeowners need Town Hall to look out for them.”
Nina Huber and several other residents of the development shared similar concerns, while applauding Rowlett’s efforts to get the neighborhood some help.
Planning Board Chairman Tom Tucker thanked Rowlett and said that the board would send a letter to the developer and would ask Highway Surveyor Garrett Bauer to investigate the situation. The developer of the Split Rock neighborhood is Aerie Homes, as confirmed by Bay Club spokesman David Andrews, who said that roads within the Bay Club portion of the development are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. Andrews said he believed that is also true for Split Rock Lane.
Also coming before the board was David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone Inc. on behalf of owners in the subdivision located at the end of Park Lane. Davignon acknowledged several outstanding matters but said all the requests made by the Select Board and the Planning Board had been or would shortly be addressed. Select Board member Jodi Bauer confirmed that the Select Board is satisfied with the updated roadway design and has given conditional approval dependent on the Highway Department’s review. The Select Board’s approval was necessary for the forward movement of the roadway extension planned by the developer at the end of the public way.
The project was continued until May 2 and extended until May 22 for final Planning Board approval.
In other business, Tucker acknowledged that member Janice Robbins will not be running for reelection when her term ends in May. He then asked if she would be willing to continue on as a member of the newly created Solar Bylaw subcommittee. Robbins was hesitant to commit at this time.
Tucker said anyone interested to helping to formulate a solar bylaw is invited to submit their name to the town administrator’s office to join the subcommittee.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, May 2, at 7:00 pm.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell