Calling the precious waterfront and harbor areas of Mattapoisett a “public trust,” members of the Marine Advisory Board voted to send a letter to the selectmen citing concerns that the waterfront management plan might be overlooked by the Conservation Commission. Member Robert Moore and others at the July 31 meeting felt it was important during certain ConCom hearings that those commission members have the management plan as a guide to aid them through their decision making processes, or have a member(s) of the MAB at the hearing as an advocate of that plan.
This is not a new concern, but one that was again brought to their attention since a resident of Goodspeed Island is in the planning stages of seeking a permit to build a 250-foot private dock into what is presently deemed ‘recreational’ waters in the waterfront management plan. This is an area that had previously been rejected for inclusion in the mooring grid to allow for public recreation.
Moore noted that in the absence of bylaws governing such building activities, the recreational area could and would be compromised and thus harm the ‘public trust,’ Mattapoisett’s harbor and coastal waterways.
Conservation Commission’s primary area of responsibility is the enforcement of the Wetlands Protection Act. From the town’s website, “The Conservation Department and Conservation Commission are responsible for permitting and enforcement of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the more protective Wetland Bylaw, Chapter 172. Under the Conservation Commission Act they are charged with the protection of a community’s natural resources. They are involved with open space acquisition and the management of conservation lands… Under the Wetlands Protection Act there are eight interests that are protected: Protection of public and private water supply, Protection of ground water supply, Flood control, Storm damage prevention, Prevention of pollution, Protection of land containing shellfish, Protection of fisheries, Protection of wildlife habitat.”
Moore said, “We need bylaws, rules and regulations to prevent numerous new piers being built. Someone should start caring.” Harbormaster Jill Simmons said that presently she had four or five new applications for private docks and other projecting piers.
At the end of this debated topic, the board moved to send a letter to the selectmen indicating the following: 1) a lack of and need to develop bylaws governing private piers, docks and wharves for presentation at the Fall Town meeting; 2) the need for the waterfront management plan to be reviewed by other town departments; and 3) consideration of a moratorium on private structures of this sort until bylaws can be written and accepted by the town.
Other subject matters discussed by the board included an update by Simmons on the repair and renovation work on the wharves, which she said that nearly everything on the list has been completed; and a letter from Jack Olson, 195 North Street, questioning the necessity to have a state-issued registration for his 12-foot skiff.
Simmons pointed out that the current town-issued rules and regulations require a state registration; however, the state doesn’t require it. The board members acknowledged that such a requirement was removed for the updated rules and regulations that are pending town acceptance. Olson will be notified that a state-issued registration is not necessary, but a town-issued permit is required.
Regarding unused moorings, Simmons said that she continues to purge the mooring lists, removing those issued moorings that do not have any activity or installed equipment associated with them. Those on the mooring wait-list may now anticipate as little as a one-year wait time. Skiff spaces were also turning over more quickly, she added. However, spaces on the wharf for boats seem locked in for many years to come.
Pump out services provided free by the town were also discussed. Simmons said that the ‘Clean Vessel Act’ of 1994 provides grant monies to cover the costs associated with providing this service. She wants to see more boaters use the service and wants to get the word out to the public that the service is available. The harbormaster’s office can be reached by calling 508 758-4191 or via email at harbormaster@mattapoisett.net.
The next meeting of the Marine Advisory Board is August 28 at 7:00 pm in the town hall conference room. The public is encouraged to attend.
By Marilou Newell
