Long ago as the glaciers slid towards the sea, left behind were not only the glacial till that fill our yards and rocks later used by our forebears for stonewalls, but also massive rocks of every humongous size imaginable, rocks known as glacial erratic. Think Witch Rock on New Bedford Road in Rochester or that vast rock in the backyard of 57 Church Street, simply known as Great Rock.
This natural feature was discussed when Tom Brownell, current owner of the Church Street property, brought his Special Permit to the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals on July 15. Represented by David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon, & Leone, Inc., the project includes the razing of an existing residence and the construction of a new single-family home.
The vacant structure was built in 1925, Davignon stated. The new home is planned to have 28-percent lot coverage, but Davignon also noted that the rock restricts the size of the lot by some 49 square feet, necessitating the Special Permit and the location of the home on the site. He also said the project had been reviewed and approved by the Conservation Commission. Chair Sue Akin said she didn’t see any problem with the project as described, nor did members Colby Rottler, Tony Tranfaglia, or Ken Pacheco. It was unanimously approved.
Also requesting a Special Permit were Wallace Duncan and Diana Vogelson for property located at 3 Pine Road. The Special Permit was needed for the construction of a second-floor addition over an existing porch and the construction of a detached garage. The property was part of a 1936 subdivision, explained Davignon, who also represented this applicant. Davignon also said the residence is serviced by public water and sewer and that it had been thoroughly vetted by the Conservation Commission. Rottler said the plan was in line with the characteristics of the neighborhood, and Tranfaglia noted there are not any views that would be blocked by the second story. The project as presented was unanimously approved.
A Special Permit was also granted to Craig and Elaine Bovaird, 2 Oliver Street, for the reconstruction and expansion of existing deck spaces. It, too, received unanimous approval.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals will be posted if hearings are scheduled.
Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals
By Marilou Newell