The house lots in Mattapoisett’s village district predate all zoning bylaws. That said, it’s not unusual for a resident to step outside their door and be standing, technically speaking, in their neighbor’s yard. Such is the case with a two homes owned by family members on Water Street.
Coming before the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals on September 19 was David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc., representing James and Joanella (Gibbons) Cannell, 1 Water Street – 1 Water Street is one of the oldest homes in Mattapoisett, having been built in 1746.
Davignon explained that the owners are seeking a Variance to convey a piece of land between the two properties, thus making a “correction.” He further described a small, attached shed structure that would be removed to aid in the correction.
Building Inspector Andy Bobola called the proposal a “win-win” for a unique case. The board accepted the plan as presented, granting the Variance. The plan is pending approval of the Planning Board.
In other business, Mark and Kelly Hall, 6 Laurel Street, sought two variances under the “Massachusetts merger law,” explained Davignon.
The parcels were technically combined, he said, but more recently, the Massachusetts legislature reversed the law. In this case, the parcels in question had received a Variance, which is now expired. One lot is slated to be sold but requires legally acknowledged separation. The board accepted the plan as presented and granted the Variance.
Joseph Paolini, 13 Shore Drive, was granted a Variance to build a single-family home on an existing foundation.
A Special Permit was granted to Bradford Weglowski, 10 Oakland Terrace, for the construction of an in-law apartment.
David McIntire received an extension for a Special Permit to construct a solar array on property located off Tinkham Hill Road.
No date was set for the board’s next meeting.
Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals
By Marilou Newell