Mattapoisett Planning Board — August 17, 2026

The Mattapoisett Planning Board met on August 17, 2026, to address a surety release for a residential subdivision and hold a public hearing on a proposed Cottage Community Development Bylaw. The board first reviewed the Park Lane Extension development, now named Boardwalk Drive. Applicant Anders White requested the release of surety and approval of the as-built survey; however, the board noted that peer review consultant SciTech and town engineer Garrett had not yet completed final inspections. To allow the applicant to proceed without further delay after nearly eight years of project work, the board voted 3-0-0 to release Lot 2 for building permit applications while continuing to hold the $18,500 surety bond pending the final peer review and town engineer letters.

The board then opened a public hearing on the proposed Cottage Community Development Bylaw, which would permit clusters of 4 to 10 cottage-style residential units of up to 1,500 square feet oriented around shared open space along the Route 6 corridor. Numerous residents raised questions and concerns regarding whether the bylaw would require deed-restricted affordable housing to help Mattapoisett achieve its 10% Chapter 40B threshold, which currently stands at 2.4%. Discussion also addressed town sewer flow capacity, density, dimensional setbacks, parking, and potential impacts on neighborhood character.

Former board member Don Fleming raised procedural objections regarding statutory requirements under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A Section 9, arguing that zoning amendments must be formally submitted and referred by the Board of Selectmen prior to planning board public hearings. Town staff confirmed they had consulted with town counsel and agreed to submit the bylaw to the select board for formal referral. The planning board voted 3-0-0 to send the proposed bylaw to the Board of Selectmen, closed the public hearing by a 3-0-0 vote, and planned to schedule a newly re-noticed public hearing in the coming weeks.

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