Mattapoisett Planning Board — September 21, 2026

The Mattapoisett Planning Board held a virtual meeting on September 21, 2026, primarily to conduct a public hearing on a proposed community development bylaw focused on cottage-style housing. After voting unanimously (3-0) to waive the formal reading of the notice, board members and residents examined specifics of the draft bylaw, which the chair stated would be refined for the spring town meeting rather than the upcoming fall town meeting due to public feedback.

Public discussion focused heavily on garage sizing and residential floor space. Resident Dave suggested revising section 5.13.14 to increase the maximum garage size from 300 square feet to 360 to 400 square feet to accommodate stairs, ramps, and larger vehicles. Resident Nicole Lynch inquired about the 1,500-square-foot gross living area limit, prompting board clarification that first floors are capped at 1,000 square feet with a smaller second floor permitted. Attendees and members also debated whether the cottage housing would be genuinely affordable, noting local construction and market prices exceed $700,000 for that footprint.

Following public comment, the board voted 3-0 to close the public hearing. The board deferred approval of past meeting minutes due to a lack of eligible voting members present. After a brief informal discussion regarding local home construction costs, the board scheduled its next meeting for October 5, 2026, and adjourned.

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