By Beth David, Editor
At its meeting on 8/11/25, the Fairhaven Select Board approved two new street signs, and appointed new members to the Historical Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. SB chairperson, Charles Murphy, was absent from the meeting due to a flight delay. Vice Chair Andrew Romano chaired the meeting.
Police Lt. Kevin Swain, and Officer Scott Coelho, Safety Officer, told the board that Galaxy Pizza, 342 Main Street, at Benoit Square, requested a 15-minute parking sign in front of the restaurant for one parking spot. They said they did not see a problem with granting the request.
In the report filed with the board, Off. Coelho said the owner requested the spot for his customers who are making take-out pickups; he feels he may be losing customers if they cannot find parking.
The board approved the request unanimously.
The board also approved a request by the owner of 38 Middle Street* for a handicap parking space in front of the residence to make it easier for the tenant to access the door.
In another matter, the board voted to appoint two members to the Historical Commission, one for a one year unexpired term, and one for a 3 year term. SB member Andrew Saunders recused himself from the vote due to a business relationship he has with Patrick Carr, who applied to be appointed.
Mr. Carr, who is a member of the elected Planning Board, the appointed Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Atlas Tack Working Group, told the board that he wanted to be on the HC to work on creating an Historic District. He said the PB has discussed the possibility before. He noted the town has the historic buildings gifted by Henry Huttleston Rogers as well as many individual homes that are historic.
Husband and wife, Nicholas and Shayna Jones, both applied and both asked to be appointed to the one year slot, causing a bit of a chuckle.
Mr. Jones said that he and his wife are new to Fairhaven. They did a lot of work researching the town and “had so much fun doing it.”
He said they are both very passionate about history and the town and it would be an honor to serve on this commission.
“I would be very passionate about the position,” said Mr. Jones.
Ms. Jones said when they moved to Fairhaven in January the first thing they did was visit the town hall and library. She said they did not know anything about Fairhaven, but have learned a lot since then.
Ms. Jones said they want to establish roots in Fairhaven and bring up their kids here.
“I love history,” said Ms. Jones, noting that she and her husband do restorations. “I love anything historic.”
She volunteered her husband for the three-year slot and herself for the one-year slot.
SB member Keith Silvia nominated Mr. Carr for the three-year seat, but it did not receive a second.
SB member Natalie Mello said she had met the Joneses when they spoke at an Historical Commission meeting. She said she believed they have enthusiasm for the committee and it would suit them both well.
Mr. Jones was appointed to the three-year seat, and Ms. Jones was appointed to the one-year seat. Both votes were 3-1, with Mr. Silvia voting “no.”
Gary Lavalette had also applied, but withdrew his application.
After the vote, Mr. Carr approached the board and said he would like to hear the reasons why he was not chosen. He said he has been coming up for positions and getting denied. He noted he was only denied on a couple of votes because Mr. Saunders had to recuse himself and it was a tie vote.
He said he went to an Historical Commission meeting and was not allowed to speak.
He directly asked Ms. Mello what reasons she had for not voting for him.
Ms. Mello did not give her reason.
Mr. Romano said he wanted to see people who have not been on boards before have a chance to serve.
He also said that Mr. Carr’s stated reason for wanting to be on the HC is something he will have the opportunity to work on as a member of the Planning Board.
The SB also appointed Kristen Russell to be a full member of the ZBA. She was an associate member.
Mr. Romano thanked her for putting her application back in after there had been some confusion about applications to that board.
The SB voted unanimously to appoint her to the full position.
In his update to the board, Interim Town Administrator, George Samia, addressed some misinformation floating around in cyberspace that made its way to the last SB meeting during the public comment period.
Mr. Samia assured residents that no money from the animal shelter gift account has been used inappropriately. He said the only money taken was appropriated at Town Meeting to supplement the budget, which has been doen every year.
He noted that if any money is used improperly, it will get flagged in the Accounting Department.
He also said the only “denial” that had anything to do with the shelter, was a request by another town to bring in some animals.
“For budgetary purposes, he said, the town of Fairhaven does not want to take in more animals than it has to.
Mr. Romano also noted that he spoke with the Animal Control Officer and could dispel another rumor.
The town has been able to pay for all veterinary appointments for all animals.
“They are still taking care of all animals as needed,” said Mr. Romano.
In other business, the board:
• Approved the use of Town Hall Auditorium on 9/3/25 by the Girl Scouts for their award ceremony.
*The owner of 38 Middle Street is related to the editor, who has no beneficial interest in the property.
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Click here to download the 8/14/25 issue: 08-14-25 GunsNHoses
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