Mattapoisett’s Industrial Business Park will soon be the new location for Sid Wainer & Son now that Zoning Board of Appeals approval has been received. Wainer, a food merchant, will occupy the warehouse space previously home to LESCO Distributing. John Folino, owner of Cape Building Systems, Inc. and of the warehouse in question, petitioned the ZBA for approval of non-conforming placement of concrete pads where Wainer will place refrigeration units, industrial strength generators, and condensers all designed to allow the business to handle fresh food production and packaging with efficiency.
Andy Bobola, Director of Inspectional Services, told the board that in his opinion the applicant had prepared a “great proposal” and that it was “good to see new businesses coming into town.” Henry Wainer was also present and told them that he is regulated by the FDA, which often performs unannounced inspections. He told the board that his operation would be clean, state-of-the-art, and a good neighbor. The project was approved.
Of the other five hearings before the board, all passed with ease. A continued hearing for the Marvins of 14 Mechanic Street received permission to construct an addition to the 1840 Greek revival. First, the older additions that were not in keeping with the original architecture will be removed and replaced with an addition more compatible with the style. During the first hearing, the board wanted assurances that the proposed addition would not make the finished home larger than those in the area. Bob Field of Field Engineering did research into homes along Mechanic Street for lot fill percentages. His results proved that the average was 25 percent. The Marvin’s home would come in at 24 percent. The ZBA approved the plan.
Jay Duker, 112 Aucoot Road, sought permission from the board to leave the home at the address in place until Labor Day while the new home planned for the site is being constructed, thereby giving them someplace to stay during the summer season. Bobola said that it was a reasonable request and suggested that the board could allow the request with condition that the old home be razed at an appointed date in September. The applicant received approval with a September 15 date for the removal of the original home.
Tom Clancy, 10 Briar Road, received permission to build a new home – built to FEMA regulations – after demolition of the existing structure. The site is in an AE flood zone. The new home will be centered on the lot and will not be taller than 35 feet at its highest point.
Edwin Sargent, 3 Oakland Way, was approved for the construction of a small, 685-square foot addition. When completed, the home will have a total of 1261 square feet of living space. Bobola said, “Mr. Sargent has been very thorough in his approach.”
Richard Charon, representing Richard Wells of 10 Woodland Avenue, was able to achieve a compromise with the board that now allows the applicant to build a 20-foot wide garage. The structure will have break-away partitions and no habitable space.
Before adjourning for the evening, Bobola told the board members that they need to plan for the appointment of a new chairman with the retiring of John Chase in that role. He also said that on May 27 at 7:00 pm in town hall, the Board of Selectmen will be honoring Chase for his 25 years of service to the community.
He went on to say that with this vacancy, the board will need to bring one alternate member up to a full-time member, select a new chairman, and possibly seek new members. Mary Anne Brogan asked if they could also remove alternate members who hadn’t truly been involved. Bobola said that was certainly something they could discuss, but suggested that before any decisions are made, a full meeting with all ZBA members should be called. To that end, a memo will be sent to all members asking for their attendance at the next meeting.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for June 19 at 6:00 pm in town hall.
By Marilou Newell
