Neighbors attending the February 10 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission aired their concerns about a proposed extension and improvements to a pier located on property owned by Tracey White, 70 Aucoot Road.
Robert Malm, 2 Lewis Way, was first to say the project would give him a perfect view of the pier, not the beach or ocean. He questioned the use and methods of construction that would include the installation of a boat lift system and two additional feet of length.
The application for a Notice of Intent was represented by David Davignon of Schneider Davignon and Leone. Davignon said the project includes the installation of six new pilings and that a new Chapter 91 license will need to be permitted. But Malm said the height of the pilings would further obstruct the views.
Davignon said the pier will be angled away from the Malm property, thereby being less impactful to views. But other neighbors said that the small beach area is already very congested causing the area to resemble a marina. Chairman Mike King explained that the commission did not control the placement of moorings and referred them to the Harbormaster’s office.
Environmental agent/consultant Brandon Faneuf said that the properties in the beach neighborhood were well known to the commission and that various applications for work within jurisdictional areas had been executed within regulations and were well documented.
After further discussion that centered on the negative impacts of the project, the commission voted to accept the application conditioning the NOI which included the applicant donating shellfish seedlings to the town’s quahog program. King also advised that appeals could be made to the commission’s decision.
In other business, a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Paula Soroka, 11 Parker Street for the construction of a new septic system within an area identified as Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage received a negative two decision granting the project to move forward. The project was represented by Brian Grady of GAF.
A Request to Amend an Order of Conditions also represented by Grady for a beach maintenance located at 12, 14, 16 and 18 Ocean Avenue was approved for the inclusion of another lot located at 10 Ocean Avenue.
Another Request for Amended Order of Conditions for coastal bank work located at 36 Cove Street was also approved. The project now includes beach nourishment but eliminates the use of coir logs. The project was represented by Davignon.
A third Request for Amended Order of Conditions filed by Mark Whalen, 0 Birchwood Street was approved. The request included the elimination of a garage to allow for the installation of a new pump chamber for a new septic system.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for February 24.
Mattapoisett Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell