On November 23, the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission received details on Phases 2a and 2b of the Mattapoisett Bike and Pedestrian Path proposed along Industrial Drive.
Representing the applicant, the Town of Mattapoisett, was Jake Carmody of TEC. Carmody’s presentation included parts of the recreational pathway yet to be funded and parts that have received funding from a grant as well as donations.
Carmody gave an overview of the entire roadway improvements planned to bring the bike path from the west side of North Street at the Park-’n-Ride to the east side, entering into the Industrial Park area terminating at the Marion town line. However, the purpose of this Notice of Intent filing dealt with the path from the intersection at Bay Club Drive to the Marion Town line. It is this portion that is currently funded.
Representing the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike and Recreational Path was Robin Lepore, who said that the Friends had raised $95,000. That, along with grant monies, will fund the section of the path being discussed. Lepore noted that there would be phased construction for other segments of the pathway as the project secures further funding.
Regarding the project in its entirety, Carmody explained that drainage systems along the existing roadway would be improved and that wetlands replication plans were in place. He said that 2,663 square feet of bordering vegetated wetlands would be permanently impacted, 207 square feet temporarily impacted, and that 5,326 square feet would constitute the wetlands replication area on town-owned property near Route 195.
Chairman Mike King asked whether the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program had commented on the project. Carmody replied that they require a turtle protection plan before construction begins. Carmody also said that an existing turtle culvert would remain in place.
Of the pedestrian crossings planned for North Street at Industrial Drive and Boat Rock Road and Industrial Drive, Carmody said that high-visibility, rapid-flashing crossing lights will be installed.
The hearing was continued until December 14.
Also continued until December 14, as noted by King, would be any additional discussion regarding the Seabreeze Lane Enforcement Order issued to Daniel Craig. Letters received from the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen and the Buzzards Bay Coalition were noted but not read into the minutes.
Another continued application (to December 14) was a Notice of Intent filed by Sheelagh Beaulieu for Luna III LLC, 2 Beach Street, to demolish an existing structure once pilings have been constructed for a new single-family home meeting the FEMA elevation requirement. Representing the property owners was Rich Rheaume of Prime Engineering, who said when questioned by Deborah Lezama, president of the Crescent Beach Association, that a path to the beach would not be affected.
Previously opened and conditioned on this night was a Notice of Intent filed by Donna Downey, Trustee, 16 Water Street, to construct a 74-foot by 14-foot expansion.
Two Requests for Determination of Applicability received negative determinations, allowing them to move forward without an NOI filing required. Those applications were Aaron Bates, 9 West Hill Road, for the construction of a porch, and Jark Dlugosinski, 11 Crystal Springs Road, for a septic upgrade.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for December 14 at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell