On February 24, the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission faced a three-page agenda that contained five Requests for Determination of Applicability, three Notice of Intent filings and a variety of other action items.
One NOI that will require further study and review was filed by Scott Snow for property located at 27 Nashawena Road. Snow’s representative, Rich Rheaume of Prime Engineering, was not available to attend the meeting. This prompted Snow, at first, to acquiesce to a continuance in order to present technical aspects of the proposed new home construction by his engineer. But after a few moments of discussing of the scope of the project he moved ahead, saying, “It’s really a very simple project.”
Chairman Mike King shared with Snow points of concern raised by the Building Department regarding FEMA regulations. It was noted that the project as currently proposed may not meet parts of the regulations, especially concerning the introduction of fill in a flood zone. Snow pointed to a neighboring property as justification for his proposal, with King responding, “…FEMA is trying to get more resilient designs.”
Bill Madden of G.A.F. Engineering, Inc., representing several abutters including the Antassawamock Club, Inc., said his clients had no problem with a home being built on the site, but want assurances that all FEMA regulations would be met. The hearing was continued until March 9.
Ken Motta, Field Engineering, representing the Town of Mattapoisett, detailed the scope of work planned for a bridge repair on Acushnet Road 1,000 feet north of the intersection with Hereford Hill Road. The town had received a Massachusetts Small Bridge Repair grant of $500,000, he said, a portion of the $1.2-million total estimated costs. Work is scheduled to begin the day after school closes for the summer. Construction will take three to six months to complete, stated Highway Surveyor Barry Denham. Emergency response planning has already been put in place, Motta said. The project was conditioned by the commission.
The Bay Club’s David Andrews came before the commission to discuss an NOI filed for 40 Prince Snow Circle. The issue of whether existing agreements and conditions imposed by Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program for other locations within the subdivision covered this parcel. King said clarification was requested by conservation agent Liz Leidhold. He asked Andrews to obtain a new letter from the agency before work commenced. The project was continued.
The town’s central wharves, Holmes and Long, will see dredging activities with the commission approving an NOI for harborside work. The town’s representative, Bob Field of Field Engineering, said work will begin in the off-season. The work will allow dinghies to ease access to slips. Currently, at low tide, the area is unnavigable due to the build-up of sediments and seaweeds.
RDA’s receiving negative determinations of applicability were: Nova Chaneco, 9 Mattapoisett Neck Road, for a septic repair; Andrew Butler, 13 Main Street, for driveway improvements; Indian Cove, Marion, Order of Conditions for a Chapter 91 waterways license; James Hannon, 12 Cedarcrest Avenue, for construction of a screen room; Brian Lima, 4 Mattakiset Road, for removal and replacement of structural additions; and an order of conditions extension was granted to Jeff Himawan, 10 Point Road.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for March 9 at 6:30 pm in the town hall conference room.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell