A recent multi-agency meeting was held at the site of Phase 1B of the Mattapoisett bike path currently under construction along the barrier beach between Reservation Road and Goodspeed Island Road, which included members of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Protection, and contractor D. W. White, said Mattapoisett Conservation Commission Chairman Mike King.
On November 25 during the commission’s meeting, King said that the requested changes to the plan are necessary due to various survey errors, and the parties discussed measures to quantify the survey errors as well as measures to make corrections to the plan of record that will ultimately reflect the actual work that took place.
The first issue discussed was the need to construct concrete approaches to the railroad trestle bridge currently in place. The concrete ramps will provide the stability necessary to withstand heavy use and conform with the planned width of the roadway as it approaches the bridge.
Another change the group reviewed was a request by the contractors to use rubber mats to cover the entire space that will be crisscrossed in the marsh to drive pilings for the bike path bridge across the marshlands. The contractor proposed the concept of laying all the mats to the furthest point; then, as construction is completed, walk the mats back. This option allows the mats to be put in place once instead of constantly being placed, removed, and laid down in the next location.
“This will be much less disruptive to the wetlands,” King explained.
The third and final change the group considered was the need to remove several stones from an old stone wall in the marsh. The commission concurred with the need to remove up to four stones. All changes to the plan of record were accepted and approved.
A public hearing was held for a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by David Monteiro for the expansion of an existing deck at 35 Mattapoisett Neck Road. The request received a Negative determination of applicability, allowing the project to move forward.
A Notice of Intent filed by Michael Ringuette for property located at the applicant’s former marina was approved and conditioned, allowing for the repair of the septic system.
Continued hearings included an NOI filed by Nicholas Christy for the construction of a single-family home on a barrier beach located at 20 Howard Beach Road. The hearing had opened and closed at a previous meeting pending clarification that the lot was buildable. King said that Building Commissioner Andy Bobola indicated that the application would be acceptable in his purview if approved by the Conservation Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals. The commission approved and conditioned the project.
Certificates of Compliance were issued to Connie Kearins, 35 Water Street; Christopher Querim, 5 Acushnet Road; and Francis and Maria Thorley, corner of Millbank Road, Noyes Avenue, and Byrne Avenue.
Requests for Extensions to Order of Conditions were granted to David McIntire for property located on Mahoney Lane; Jesse Davidson, 22 Pine Island Road; and for two lots located on Nantucket Drive owned by Brandt Point Builders, LLC, Armand Cortellesso.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for December 9 at 6:30 pm in the Town Hall conference room.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell