The reopening of a Notice of Intent filing by Craig Bovaird, 26R Pine Island Road, generated a request by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for an “alternatives analysis” to determine if the future residential dwelling could be situated somewhere else on the lot.
Representing the applicant was Brandon Faneuf of Ecosystem Solutions. Faneuf confirmed that he had met with Conservation Agent Liz Leidhold at the site where wetlands and resource delineations were reviewed and refreshed. The most significant resource area noted was a perennial stream which is part of a riverfront area.
In an earlier review of the application, it was noted that the project includes the construction of a new home, deck, patio, and in-ground swimming pool on the south side of the dwelling partially within a bordering vegetated-wetland system. The plan includes a one-for-one wetlands replication area and the removal of invasive bamboo planted by a previous owner.
Chairman Mike King inquired about the removal of what was to have been permanent wetland fencing. Faneuf responded that his client was a new owner and unaware of the post removal, but that new boundaries would be established. The filing was continued to give the applicant sufficient time to pursue alternative site locations in the lot. The filing will be heard again on August 24.
A new home proposed for 1 Harbor Road via a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Brenda and Rocco Franciouse Jr. was heard for the first time. The project as detailed is for the demolition of an existing dwelling and the construction of a single-family home within a FEMA Flood Zone. Representing the property owners was Bob Field of Field Engineering, who said the project also includes a new septic system and adherence to all FEMA regulations. King asked how stormwater runoff would be handled. Field said a recharge trench system would be added to the plans. The project received a negative determination of applicability.
Also receiving a negative decision for a Request of Determination of Applicability was William and Robin Snow, 1 Beach Street, for the construction of a 12-by-12-foot shed. Unique to this project will be the use of helical piles for the expansion of an existing deck area also planned.
A Notice of Intent filed by Pete Saccone, Lot 2 off Park Lane, was represented by N. Douglas Schneider, P.E., P.L.S., for the construction of a new single-family home. Schneider said the area had been previously subdivided into house lots and that this filing was “the first wave of many new homes.”
Schneider said the parcel was first delineated 15 years ago and that permanent wetlands marking would be established to prevent encroachment in the future. The new home will be serviced by municipal water and sewer, he said, and will have a walk-out basement. The hearing was continued until August 24 to give abutters sufficient time to review the plan of record and voice questions or concerns.
Norma Klein’s Notice of Intent filing for 4 Indian Avenue was described by representative Richard Riccio of Field Engineering as the same project that was permitted in 2016. That filing received an order of conditions that have subsequently expired, prompting the new filing. The project plans consist of the razing and reconstruction of a garage as well as site improvements and renovations.
Riccio said that the new construction would comply with FEMA regulations and procedures including erosion controls and stormwater recharge into a trench system.
An abutter to the project, John Graf, 2 Indian Avenue, hired Bill Madden of G.A.F. Engineering. “The Grafs hired me to ensure that everything complies with FEMA,” explained Madden, who suggested that the site as it now exists was not adequately represented on the plan of record including possible jurisdictional areas such as a vertical wall that he described as “substantial.”
Madden voiced concerns that wave action created on the applicant’s property would negatively impact the Graf’s home and asked that the plan be reviewed for accuracy. “The plan should reflect the site as it is today,” he said.
Riccio said the plan would be updated as requested and the filing was continued until August 24 allowing for further study.
Two enforcement orders were discussed, one for property located at 42 Marion Road, for which the commission had received a restoration plan for unconditioned activities within jurisdictional areas.
The second enforcement order was for property located at 37 Water Street. King said a contractor had discharged a large volume of herbicide in and around a stream that discharges into the public beach. He said that a formal complaint had been filed with the licensing agency, Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, and notification to the property owner had also been carried out. Leidhold said she had not heard back from the contractor and had not received any remediation plans. King said another letter would be sent to the parties involved.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for August 24 at 6:30 pm via a remote platform. Visit mattapoisett.net for details.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell