During the October 7 meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board, open discussion about earth-moving activities at the motel located on Route 6 were aired. Member John Mathieu said that the owner of the property, who was never named during the discussion, had a right to perform certain activities. But he asserted several times, …”it is not a motel.” Mathieu likened the business as more of an apartment complex than motel and that over the years there had been many issues at the site. He said, “It doesn’t add anything to the town.”
Mathieu said that people living at the “motel” had been living there on a long-term basis. The board agreed that before any redevelopment could take place, the unnamed owner would have to come before the Planning Board. He also said that construction at the site would entail drainage issues due to the hill upon which it rests.
In other matters informally discussed, Chairman Tom Tucker inquired of Mathieu if he still was contemplating density plans, a residential overlay along Route 6 that would allow for new housing stock featuring two-bedroom units, and various styles of structures. Mathieu said that the state changes to merged lots coupled with opportunities for ADUs (accessoory dwelling units) was pushing this forward in his mind. He’ll continue researching and draft language for the board to review.
Mathieu said, as the board took up discussions around an updated solar bylaw, that the present draft was confusing and that much of the language was unnecessary. The members will continue editing the document.
Earlier in the proceedings the board voted not to accept the right-of-first-refusal for lots on Crystal Springs Road owned by Dennis Mahoney.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board will be a public hearing set for October 21, 6:30 pm at the Fire Department conference room to receive input on ADUs in advance of spring town meeting.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell