Members of the Reservation Golf Club, a private club located along Mattapoisett Harbor, came before the Mattapoisett Select Board on Tuesday to air ongoing concerns with respect to cyclists using Reservation Road as an access point to the recently opened connector between Mattapoisett Neck Road and Reservation Road.
The main spokesperson for the golf club board members in attendance was Paul Coutinho. He began by stating that the bike path is a good thing for the community and that he fully supports it. However, issues arising from a lack of parking at the intersection of Reservation Road and the bike path, which presently terminates at that point led the club’s board to seek assistance.
It was noted by Select Board Chairman Tyler Macallister that until work is completed on the span across the barrier beach at Goodspeed Island, people would probably use Reservation Road. An increase in both motor vehicles using Reservation Road and cyclists heading to and from Route 6 forced the club to ask, “Can we close the gate?”
The possibility of closing the gates located at the bike-path intersection with Reservation Road was quickly shot down by both the board members and Police Chief Jason King. They said that emergency access is necessary and that the gate was installed to restrict entrance to the bike path during specific situations that warrant closure.
Reservation Road is a public road open to all forms of public use, be it walking, cycling or driving, Select Board Chairman Tyler Macallister stated, but he echoed his concerns over public safety including someone being hit by a golf ball. He said people using the road are responsible for their own safety.
Coutinho said, “I didn’t know how many people liked bicycling.” He said the bike path is drawing people from other communities, people who may not understand bike-path protocol. “They don’t know how the town was set up.”
Coutinho requested more signs that would clearly indicate that Reservation Road is not an access point for the bike path and that parking at the beach is private (for club members only.) He also stated, “We want to protect our territory.” Regarding the parking at the end of Reservation Road, Coutinho said that was private for club members only but that many others are parking there.
Macallister said he didn’t know what the answers were for resolving issues arising from a lack of parking and the long-delayed opening of the bike path along Goodspeed Island, but that it is important for the town and the club to reach a consensus. “We’ll do our best to help you guys,” he said.
It was left that through the winter, ongoing communication between the town and the golf club would be beneficial in resolving some of the concerns raised.
Charles McIntyre came before the board to discuss his proposal to hold a Peace Vigil in memory of those who have lost their lives to gun violence. While complete details are in the early planning stages, the board encouraged McIntyre to work with the library and the safety officer for further guidance. McIntyre foresees a group of concerned citizens marching from the library to the town wharves at dusk holding luminaries.
The board, along with Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, briefly discussed the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board’s recommendations regarding repair work on Long Wharf. The MAB had unanimously voted to advance the construction concept that would employ primarily concrete versus stone. Lorenco speculated that this option, one of several offered by the engineering group Childs Engineering, could cost $8,000,000 versus stone at double or more. The board will continue to study the plans awaiting Childs’ report on a hybrid solution employing concrete and stone.
Lorenco reported that a RFQ for the retired fire station is pending and that a federal grant sought to fund Phase 2a of the bike path failed to meet the criteria. He said other federal grant monies would be sought for the Long Wharf repairs.
Continuing on the theme of grants, Lorenco said that the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District would be seeking a Community Preservation Act grant for the purchase of land to further protect the aquifer. What amount will be sought is pending.
It’s shellfish season. Macallister announced that on October 15, the inner and outer harbor areas will be open to recreational permit holders for scallops; also, the outer harbor will be open to commercial fishermen. On November 1, both inner and outer harbor locations will be open to commercial fishermen.
There had been some discussion of moving the Select Board meetings from Tuesdays to Mondays, including asking the Conservation Commission if its members would be willing to swap days. Although the commission was willing, the board did not reach a consensus. Thus, the Select Board will continue to meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27, at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell