By Kennedy Ryan, Neighb News Correspondent
The Fairhaven Conservation Commission held a meeting on Monday, 7/17 to decide on four new petitions, seven continued hearings and a few other items.
Connie Hilton requested a certificate of compliance for her property at 20 Bass Creek Road, which was built about three years ago. The property, howeer, has some problem areas, incluidng a depression on the north side.
The ConCom would not issue the certificate of compliance, saying the work needs to be finished. Either Ms. Hilton, or the developer, Michael Ristuccia, who is also the Board of Public Works chairperson, will have to complete the work before the ConCom issues the certificate.
The ConCom will revist the matter in a couple of months.
Alan and Alexandra Vaynerchuck of 32 Alder Street requested permission to demolish a shed and build an 8’x10’ shed and a privacy fence in the flood zone.
One neighbor argued that the “fence would cause a build-up of seaweed.”
He said he had concerns over fence structure, protection of the land, and bordering fences.
Other residents at the meeting voiced concerns that the fence issue had been continuing and unresolved over time, but ConCom chairperson Jay Simmons reminded them that those concerns were not on the agenda for that night.
He told them that all construction of fences in or near wetlands must be presented to the ConCom. The neighbors continued to question the commission about setting policies, but Mr. Simmons continued to remind the attendees that the questions were not to be discussed during the meeting.
One man said the fence issue is a problem all along the road. Mr. Simmons said it would have to be properly placed on the agenda for a future meeting so the Commission can discuss it.
The Commission approved the fence request for 32 Alder Srreet.
William J. And Mary Chemelli of Fir Street sought permission to construct a single family dwelling within a VE flood zone and within a 100’ buffer zone to BVW. There is no building on the 18,000 square foot lot.
The hearing was continued to the August 28 meeing.
Clean Energy received approval to construct a solar array at 279 Mill Road, at the DeTerra Farm, with portions within 100’ of BVW and within the riverfront area. A company representative told the board that “there had been an update by hiring an engineer.”
He said that the town had decided not to exercise its right to buy the land under the state’s Chapter 61A law. The installation will use 10.1 acres of land. The distance of the solar arrays from the riverfront is more than 200 feet. The panel elevations would be three feet off the ground, having a twenty to thirty degree tilt.
The site will require very little maintenance, he said, minimizing impact to the wetlands. The planning board has already approved the plan.
Alexander Carrigg was back in front of the board to discuss a proposed project at the corner of Bridge Street and Route 240, to construct a convenience store and gas station within 100’ buffer zone and minor wetland crossing.
The hearing was continued to the 7/31 meeting.
Norman R. And Brenda A. Beauregard of 46 Torrington Road requested permission to construct a 477’ boardwalk near a coastal dune and flood zone.
Board member Amy Desalvatore said she opposed the request because she believed it would be damaging to the sand dune, but the commission approved the petition.
In another matter not on the agenda, Mike and Sheryl Coppa of 24 Point Street requested permission to extend their fence to create privacy, but Mr. Simmons told them that the commission would have to schedule a public hearing.
Mr. Coppa stated that the family was experiencing a “state of harassment” from neighbors and “ignorance off the charts.”
The ConCom, however, could not deliberate because it was not on the agenda. It will be scheduled for a future meeting.
The board also discussed a letter from Matt Hebert of Earl’s Marina asking for direction on the process to create an additional driveway and pour additional concrete at the site on Goulart Memorial Drive.
ConCom member Geoffrey Haworth said he believed the changes would enchance the property while protecting the bay due to the use of permeable crushed shells for the driveway.
The board agreed that both an engineering plan and elevation plan would be needed. A hearing will be set when Mr. Hebert gets the plans ready.
In other business:
• Michael Pepetti, 23 Balsam Street received permission to replace a shed within a VE flood zone.
• The ConCom approved a request by Dr. Michael E. Merolla, 62B Manhattan Ave., for vista pruning within a VE flood zone.
• Michael and Sarah R. DaCosta of 4 Windward Way received permission to construct a new addition and install a new septic system within a coastal flood plain and buffer zone to BVW
• Jane McGowen of 3 Kennedy Circle received permission to construct a farmers porch within 100’ of a salt marsh.
• Jessie Walker of 28 Charity Stevens Lane received perrmission to perform soil evaluation and percolation tests to repair an existing septic system within 100’ buffer zone to BVW and within the Nasketucket River Basin.
• Troy Tonnessen received permission to clear a lot and fill a depression on Ebony Street, Lots 300, 302, and 305. •••
Click here to download the entire 7/27/17 issue:07-27-17 HoseDown
Click here to download Editor Beth David’s letter to the Selectboard: NewspapersInLobbyLetter
