One point of discussion was a request for a determination of applicability (RDA) for a deck repair and the addition of an emergency egress staircase on Gerard Way. The commission issued a negative finding for the project, allowing it to proceed. The applicant’s intentions to replace the existing deck with a composite material one and to use helical piles for minimal ground disturbance were noted. The removal of existing concrete supports was discussed, as well as inquiries into whether the new staircase was already in place.

Another concerned a proposed installation of an 18 KW generator with an automatic switch on Harvard Way. The applicant presented a plan to use a diamond pier system for the generator’s footing. However, the commission found the details provided insufficient, lacking in information on the project’s location, dimensions, impact on vegetation, and mitigation plans. The commission emphasized the need for a comprehensive site plan, including pictures and details of the generator’s specifications and size, before making any determinations. Questions were also raised about the generator’s elevation in relation to the flood zone, and suggestions were made to consult with a professional engineer or surveyor for accurate data.

The commission also discussed a public hearing on a project to construct a pile-supported foundation for a single-family dwelling and other site improvements. The applicant proposed demolishing an existing home and constructing a new one, with measures to address vegetation impact by planting American Doom grass. Concerns were voiced over the need for backfilling any basement or crawl space and discrepancies in the vegetation mapping. The commission considered conditioning the project to ensure backfilling and accurate vegetation accounting.

The commission’s discussions revealed a thorough approach to evaluating the environmental implications of construction projects, with a keen interest in preserving local ecology.

In the discussions about a stormwater plan, the commission deferred to George for his thoughts while addressing concerns like dead timber and the need for pruning observed during a site visit. On another project on Main Street, the commission stressed the importance of obtaining all local approvals in a timely manner and requested a copy of the order of conditions. A continued public hearing for new dwelling construction highlighted discussions about dune restoration and invasive species removal protocols. The commission suggested having an environmental monitor present during dune restoration activities and emphasized the importance of a detailed landscape plan.

During conversations about a beach management plan, the commission stressed including the plan in their final decision and discussed conditioning it for long-term maintenance. A property owner on Northern Boulevard requested a continuation of a public hearing to address landscaping, hardscaping, and paving work. The commission also considered a request for a certificate of compliance for a property on Elm Street, advising the owner to obtain the necessary documentation to close out the order conditions.

The commission covered updates related to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service project spanning 1450 acres, with the trustees of reservations submitting several hundred acres for inclusion. There was also discussion on the Coastal Water Bird program, including the installation of educational signs at beach access points, and the commission contemplated signage for dog leash requirements near Piping Plover nesting sites.