The proposed project at Taylor’s Pond Road generated considerable debate due to its implications on building coverage limits and environmental impact. The project involves demolishing an existing house and reconstructing a new one, with plans to expand the building footprint while reducing the overall gross floor area. This approach aims to mitigate the loss of living space in compliance with regulations. However, the project faces challenges due to the small lot size, which results in the total building coverage exceeding the regulatory limit of 35%. A point of contention was the inclusion of a roof overhang in the coverage calculations, which some participants argued skewed the percentage figures given the 11,700 square-foot lot size.

Additionally, the project proposes relocating the driveway, currently dipping into the floodplain, entirely outside this sensitive area. This relocation would restore a section of Taylor’s Pond Road Town Landing currently occupied by the driveway. The project’s environmental considerations include installing a Title 5 sewage disposal system with an IIA component to reduce nitrogen levels in Taylor Pond, a salt pond vulnerable to nitrogen pollution.

The landscaping plan for Taylor’s Pond Road emphasizes native plantings and the reduction of lawn areas within coastal bank and buffer zones, including the establishment of native wildflower and grass shrub meadows. The project calls for removing 11 pines and two oaks, with plans to replace them with 25 native trees. An invasive species management plan and temporary irrigation are also proposed to support the new plantings.

Concerns were raised about the proposed building’s footprint, particularly regarding the roof overhang and its inclusion in the footprint calculations. Participants debated the implications of the increased footprint from the existing structure, seeking clarity on specific measurements and compliance with regulations.

Simultaneously, ongoing discussions about the environmental impact of the proposed rinse station at Foxhill Road highlighted the Commission’s focus on sustainable development practices. The proposed site redevelopment involves changing the driveway’s surface material to permeable concrete, replacing shell or gravel, to improve accessibility. The applicants also expressed a desire to use the garage for additional storage, including motorized boats, which raised concerns about environmental implications and flood compliance. The Commission emphasized the importance of clear communication and documentation of any modifications to the plans.

Further discussions centered around erosion control measures at Taylor’s Pond, where concerns about the lack of vegetation on the bank prompted debates about planting beach grass as a potential solution. The Commission discussed the use of erosion control blankets in conjunction with planting to stabilize the area, despite challenges in anchoring such measures in the sandy environment.

The Commission also reviewed a request for a field change at Barkliffe Avenue Extension, aimed at addressing erosion issues impacting a parking lot. The proposal included constructing a concrete foundation wall and using a marine mattress to minimize sand loss during storms. The need for further input and clarification on the proposed changes led to a decision to continue discussions at a future meeting.

In other business, the Commission considered a request for determination of applicability for a fence modification at Captain Cove Lane. Projects at Strong Island Road, Woodland Way, and L Street were continued to future meetings pending Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approvals. The Commission also addressed the reconstruction of beach access stairs by the Easy Street Association, where ongoing erosion and vegetation challenges were highlighted.