Mattapoisett Conservation Commission — October 14, 2026

The Mattapoisett Conservation Commission met on October 14th to review several environmental filings, permit extensions, and enforcement matters. The commission first approved a Negative 2 Determination of Applicability for Tyler Hathaway at 6 Water Street to replace and enlarge a brick staircase and convert an existing asphalt parking spot into pervious garden beds. The board also granted three-year permit extensions to Bruce Cobb for property at 204 Cushman Road and to Andrew Joseph for 0 Sella Way, and issued a complete Certificate of Compliance to Jeffrey Sanders for 191 Acushnet Road.

The central and most contentious discussion involved a continued Notice of Intent (DEP File SE44-1599) filed by easement holder Stephen Veitzes concerning beach access, maintenance, and seasonal amenities along Byrne Avenue and Shell Beach Road. Neighbors and legal counsel debated abutter notification requirements, coastal dune delineations, and the proposed installation of 60-inch ADA-compliant Mobi-Mats. Despite objections from abutters and counsel regarding land court litigation and potential dune damage, the commission determined that attendees had received effective legal notification and closed the hearing. Commissioners voted unanimously to issue an Order of Conditions with special requirements, including prohibiting stone wall removal, forbidding heavy machinery, limiting vegetation pruning to a 10-foot clearance, requiring seasonal removal of picnic tables, and permitting a less impactful alternative route for mobility mats if agreed upon with neighbors.

In other business, property owner John Pratt addressed an enforcement order regarding a no-trespassing sign and post placed near the mean high-water mark at 11C Mark Street. Pratt agreed to remove the post and sign, prompting the commission to vote to lift the enforcement order. The commission concluded by receiving updates on an ongoing wetland delineation at site 87 and setting December 2nd as the continuation date for the upcoming Mahoney's Lane hearing.

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