A changing of the guards happened at the Monday meeting of the Marion Planning Board, resulting from the Friday election. Incoming members included Jerry Ferrari and Norm Hills, who were welcomed as new members. Outgoing members included Tom Magauran and Sherman Briggs Jr.
Chair Jay Ryder, who later turned over the reins to new Chair Pat McArdle, opened with a heartfelt thank you to outgoing member Sherman Briggs. “We want to thank Sherman Briggs for his many, many years of service. The number of your volunteer hours is unmatched. He has a will to the town that is true dedication. We support you,” Ryder said. Both the board and the audience applauded.
“Also, we want to thank Tom Magauran, for his nine years of service on the Planning Board. By voice and by letter, Tom has told us that he is available as a consultant on issues ongoing and upcoming,” Ryder said. Again, the board and audience applauded.
The reorganization had Jay Ryder stepping down and appointing Pat McArdle as the new Chair. Steve Kokkins was appointed as Vice Chair, and newly elected Norm Hills as Clerk.
In joking mode, outgoing Chair Jay Ryder said that the Planning Board was like the “’Hotel California’ … you can check out, but you can never leave,” with the board and audience in laughter.
The board approved past minutes and determined that no comment would be made on issues regarding ZBA issues at 40 Dexter Road or at 5 Spinnaker Lane.
Next up was a Continued Public Hearing of a Site Plan Review, Johnson Family Investments, 806 Mill Street c/o GAF Engineering/Anthi Frangiadis Associates. The property is the location of the former Frigate Restaurant on Route 6.
Four abutters to the property spoke about the impact of the proposed local produce market and ice cream window. The property, in the rear, abuts the back of the Old Knoll area.
The proposal is waiting for comments from the Town of Marion’s engineering firm, Field Engineering, a Mattapoisett firm, regarding the project.
Owner Arnie Johnson spoke and addressed the board.
“Last week I met with four abutters and walked the property,” Johnson said. “We want to be a good neighbor and do the right thing. We have addressed all points in the Massachusetts Highway permit process and want to be right with our neighbors.”
Several abutters attended the meeting and spoke about concerns. The property just behind the property is Old Sheepfield Road, part of the Old Knoll neighborhood.
Abutter Christine Dole addressed the board and said that she and her family worried about the ice cream window proposed at the site. “What about loud music and children running around the area?” she asked.
Johnson responded by saying that he will only be selling fruit smoothies and ice cream and not burgers and clams from the window. “This will not be Kool Kone,” Johnson said.
“I want to work with the abutters on this,” he added. At issue is the ice cream window, which would be close to one of the abutters’ property. Marlene and John Sousa, of Mill Street attended, and asked about the buffer of trees and brush from the business. Johnson said he would be willing to meet with any and all abutters to address issues.
Hours of the new establishment will end at 7:00 pm for the produce market and at 9:00 pm for the ice cream window.
The Public Hearing was continued to June 3 at 7:10 pm.
By Joan Hartnett-Barry
