The July 18 Mattapoisett Planning Board agenda included an informational meeting with Chris Vandenberghe of Outback Engineering, Inc. representing a Site Plan application filed by Sun Partners Solar of Newton.
Vandenberghe outlined the scope of the project planned for 156 Acushnet Road, currently being used as agricultural land. The array is a 198-kilowatt alternative energy producer, covering approximately 200×275 square feet. Solar panels will be constructed on 10-foot-high supports that will allow the impacted area to function as both solar-energy space and agricultural, a dual-use application.
Regarding the proposed dual-use plan, Vandenberghe said that an application has been submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. The project hinges on their acceptance that the area of disturbance can remain in agricultural tax status. He said that preliminary discussions with the Mattapoisett Fire Department produced a request for widening of the access road currently on the property.
Several abutters were in attendance, having been notified of the meeting. Their primary articulated concerns consisted of wanting proper screening. They were assured that screening is in the plans. It was also noted several times during the discussion that the Site Plan process will require multiple meetings and that this type of application, dual use, is a first for Mattapoisett.
Vandenberghe requested and received the start of a peer-review process to run concurrently with the MassDOER process. He also said that failing to receive MassDOER approval would not result in abandonment of the entire proposal. The project is located in jurisdictional Mattapoisett River Valley Water District areas. A letter from MRV Chairman Vincent Furtado did not prohibit the project.
The Site Plan review was extended until September 19.
Also coming before the board was Rich Riccio of Field Engineering for a continuance of a Form C approval of a definitive plan submitted by Dennis Mahoney and Sons, Inc. for a proposed subdivision of land on the west side of North Street. Nine waivers pertinent to the proposed land use were granted, and discussion of stormwater management systems confirmed all issues previously considered were addressed to the board’s satisfaction.
In the stormwater design are check-dams and a 3-foot infiltration trench. Submitted were stormwater calculations. The project was accepted.
A Form A Approval Not Required (ANR) was granted for property located at 3 Mattapoisett Neck Road, creating easier access to abutting property. The Mattapoisett Land Trust filed the application represented by President Mike Huguenin and Bob Rogers of G.A.F. Engineering. The request was granted.
The roadway serving Split Rock Lane at the Preserve at the Bay Club was discussed. A formal plan of action to remediate imperfections in the base coat is pending from Outback Engineering, the board stated. A peer-review consultant was declined by the developer due to cost. Next steps include Outback Engineering’s revised plans and core sample report.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, August 1, at 7:00 pm.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell