During an otherwise routine night of hearings, the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission on May 14 heard from two neighbors on two different issues in tones that left no doubt they were angry.
First to voice discontent was Becky Lockwood, 2 Mulberry Drive, regarding an application by Elizabeth Chin, 22 Holly Lane, for the construction of a breezeway with an attached garage.
Lockwood spoke up when it appeared as if the commission was going to take a vote in favor of conditioning the application before asking for public comment. Chairman Bob Rogers acknowledged her request.
Lockwood began by saying that earlier attempts by the Chins to build this structure had been denied by previous commissions. Lockwood said, at those hearings, the commission members at that time felt the structure was too close to the wetlands boarding the property.
“I’m wondering what is different this time,” said Lockwood. She claimed that construction would negatively affect her property by increasing stormwater runoff, which she asserted is already a problem.
Rogers said the plans did not indicate any contour changes that would increase the amount of runoff currently handled by a catch basin near the property, and the structure would be 54 feet from the wetlands, adding that the application was a reasonable request.
Lockwood continued, however, that it didn’t make sense that a project previously denied could now be acceptable, saying, “But it’s okay now?”
Rogers said anyone could file a Notice of Intent, and prior hearings were not pertinent.
“We don’t have to honor prior denials,” Rogers told Lockwood.
Again, she said a tremendous amount of water flowed over the property, prompting commission member Tom Copps to voice his position by saying, “It is a reasonable application.”
Lockwood stated for the record, “I am extremely discouraged because people are building closer and closer to the wetlands.” She felt such construction diminished the value of her home, but more importantly, constricted the movement and habitat of the endangered Eastern box turtles in her neighborhood.
The Chins were represented by Brad Bertolo of JC Engineering of Wareham. Bertolo said that turtle barriers could and would be installed prior to construction and that a stormwater catch basin noted by Highway Superintendent Barry Denham would be delineated.
The commission approved the application.
Later in the meeting, Ron Silvia of 15 Cove Street met informally to once again bring up the issue of an additional sewer stub being added to the Cove Street water and sewer project.
He had met with the commission last winter on the same topic, but eventually was pointed in the direction of public hearings held by the Water and Sewer Commission as the right place to air his concerns.
On this night, he was back before the Conservation Commission for the same stub location – a violation of the commission’s Order of Conditions, in his opinion.
Rogers made it clear he wasn’t going to spend much time on the topic because the commission did not have an application before them and therefore it was not their jurisdiction to hear his concerns.
“I can’t help you, Ron,” Rogers said. Rogers told Silvia, without an application, there was nothing to discuss with the commission.
Engineer Rich Charon, who was in attendance for other matters, was asked by Rogers to speak on behalf of his Cove Street clients, where the suspect stub would allegedly be installed.
Charon said that his clients did approach the Water and Sewer Commission on the possibility of receiving permission to install a connection to the yet-to-be constructed sewer system, post completion. He said that if the Water and Sewer Commission granted that application, the clients would assume all financial responsibilities associated with the tie-in. Charon also confirmed that the clients may seek a variance to build a home on the lot, but said nothing was being advanced by the property owners at this time.
That did not sit well with Silvia who said, if such construction was allowed on the barrier beach, other property owners with beach frontage might do the same thing. He was clearly angered by Charon’s comments.
Rogers shut down any further conversation on the subject and directed Silvia to the Water and Sewer Commission.
Other business conducted included the filing of two Notices of Intent approved for The Preserve at the Bay Club on Fieldstone Drive, as well as the issuance of three Certificates of Compliance also along Fieldstone Drive.
An Order of Conditions was issued to Christopher and Veronica Brockwell, 13 Randall Road, for the purpose of clearing two acres of wooded land for pastures and the construction of a new barn.
A negative determination was issued to Audrey Andrews, 4 Parker Street, for septic system repairs.
Earlier in the evening, commission member Copps announced he would not be seeking a second term on the commission and invited the public to come forward should anyone wish to fill his vacancy. Both current Chairman Rogers and former Chairman Peter Newton thanked Copps for his public service and “good representation on behalf of the Town.”
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 pm in the Mattapoisett Town Hall conference room.
By Marilou Newell
