Behind the scenes, members of many permitting boards individually visit construction projects and other sites to gain firsthand knowledge of what they will be required to hear and act upon once public hearings are underway. That was the case on October 20 when the Mattapoisett ZBA opened its meeting. During the course of the proceedings, several members noted they had visited various addresses to gain a sense of what had driven property owners to seek special permits.
The first of those heard on this night was an application for a Special Permit filed by Peter Turowski, 3 Indian Avenue, for construction of a new deck with a nonconforming setback. The residence on the property is a ranch-style, 1975 structure, the filing detailed. ZBA member Tony Tranfaglia commented, “It’s a nice project.” A Special Permit was granted by unanimous vote.
Next up was a request for a Special Permit by Steven and Joy Warren, 8 Briar Road. The filing requested the permit to build an elevated, first-floor, 366-square-foot deck.
Represented by David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc., the Warrens’ plans had previously received clearance from the Conservation Commission, Davignon said. ZBA member Colby Rotler commented that the project was in keeping with the neighborhood. The Special Permit was granted.
Number three in the series of special permits receiving unanimous approval was a filing by Jeffrey and Tania Phillips, 3 Pigwacket Lane, for the construction of a detached garage. Also representing the Phillips, Davignon said the 23×27-foot structure would not include living space above the garage. He confirmed that the site, complex for its location in a riverfront zone, was vetted by the Conservation Commission. He also said that the home planned for the site, not part of this filing, would receive water and sewer service. The Special Permit was approved.
The final hearing of the evening was filed by Michael and Cecilia Halter, 5 Beach Road, for a second-floor addition measuring 225×40 feet. Developer Christin McCullough said that the original footprint of the home would be maintained and that the reason for requesting a Special Permit was due to an existing easement through the property. The board approved the request.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals was not scheduled upon adjournment.
Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals
By Marilou Newell