On May 16, the Mattapoisett Planning Board took up the matter of roadway conditions at Split Rock Lane inside the Preserve at Bay Club property.
During the April 5 meeting of the board, members heard from residents of the development that the roadway was deteriorating. Hugh Rowlett of 32 Split Rock Lane said he was speaking not only for himself but for 21 other homeowners living in the Preserve at the Bay Club neighborhood of Split Rock Lane and expressing deep concerns about roadway conditions.
At that earlier meeting, Rowlett provided photographic evidence of the current condition of Split Rock Lane and asked that the Planning Board intercede on behalf of the homeowners before a topcoat is applied. He asked that specific requests be made of the developer such as a redesign of the road, a survey of the road, addressing the peer-review consultant’s (Ken Motta of Field Engineering) comments and an engineer’s report to the Planning Board once repairs have been made.
“We are counting on you guys … homeowners need Town Hall to look out for them,” Rowlett stated at the April 5 meeting.
Nina Huber and several other residents of the development shared similar concerns, while applauding Rowlett’s efforts to get the neighborhood some help.
Representing developer Christos Kuliopulos on May 16 was Jeff Youngquist of Outback Engineering. Youngquist said that in December of 2019, a base coat had been applied. A review conducted by Motta took place last summer at which time Youngquist said, “Some things were found.” He now said that some “structures” were too high and others too low but would be repaired soon. He also noted that homeowners had added to the end of their driveways but that those structures would have to be removed.
Youngquist reported that the roadway coating has not broken down since being laid in 2019 and that when repairs are done a crown will be added to the overall design.
On that point, outgoing member Janice Robbins said, “Things have to be remedied before the topcoat is done. We need written specs and confirmation from Ken Motta.” Youngquist assured the board that specifications would be drawn up.
Kuliopulos said that the delay in completing the road came at the request of the Bay Club but that the base was good, although it needs some “tweaking.” In the end, Kuliopulos agreed to pay Field Engineering for Motta’s time in reviewing the specification and updated plan of record. He also said there was a $125,000 cash surety in play.
The board members also discussed setting up a solar bylaw subcommittee. Robbins said it should be a by-invitation-only committee consisting of representatives from the Fire and Police departments, Conservation Committee, Assessor’s Office and the Planning Board.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, June 6, at 7:00 pm.
Mattapoisett Planning Board
By Marilou Newell