Following the urging of Holly Woods Road neighbors and Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray, the Conservation Commission approved an RDA with a negative determination at its January 9 to repair a collapsed culvert. Applicant Joseph Szaro of 38 Holly Woods Road had requested the removal and replacement of the old culvert, which some residents consider a safety hazard to vehicles.
The original hearing on the culvert – which is located in the Holly Woods area – took place last month and was postponed as the Commission felt it contained insufficient details on the proposed work.
Mr. Szaro, present at the meeting, presented the full scope of the operation for the replacement of the two 36-inch and 12-feet wide pipes – from erosion controls (silt fence and hay bales), the type of base (6-inch crushed stone) to the seeding and loaming plan.
“We definitely are getting a lot more than what we got at the original hearing,” said Conservation Commissioner Bob Rogers on the submission.
Two neighbors at the meeting encouraged the commission to clear the way for the work to begin. “We have a repair issue here. I’d like to get it done, not only for safety reasons, but for expenses… The expediting of the project is very much appreciated,” said resident Bill Fredericks.
Likewise, in written comments to the board presented through Building Inspector Andy Bobola, Fire Chief Andrew Murray cited safety issues to emergency vehicles presented by the culvert and asked for the commission to expedite its repair.
The commission – except for Chairman Peter Newton who recused himself as he is a neighbor of the applicant – approved the request unanimously.
In other business:
• The commission unanimously approved an RDA with a negative determination for an enlarged bedroom and bathroom for handicap accessibility at 27 Silvershell Ave.
• The commission requested that Mr. Bobola investigate the possibility of it purchasing a two-acre, 18,000 square-foot unbuildable lot on the north side of Cove St. for possible future use as a parking area to access Angelica Point.
By Laura Fedak Pedulli