The central topic of the meeting was the proposal for a flood monitoring alert system designed to mitigate chronic flooding issues in Revere’s Beachmont neighborhood, including Pearl A, Crystal A, and Summer Streets. Kristen Homemire, the resilience manager for the City of Revere, and Justine Rooney, a coastal scientist from the Woodsole Group, presented the project. They outlined the use of funding from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s Accelerating Climate Resilience Grant and the Coastal Zone Management FY26 Coastal Resilience Grant. This project aims to install early flood warning sensor systems to better prepare residents for flooding events, particularly during high tides and heavy rain.

The sensors, powered by solar energy, will be strategically installed at locations such as the Bennington Street Bridge and utility poles along Pearl A. These Honu ultrasonic sensors will monitor water levels without altering the environment, providing critical data to assist residents in moving their vehicles before flooding occurs. Rooney emphasized the occurrence of “sunny day flooding,” driven by high tides rather than storms, and highlighted the project’s role in informing future flood prevention efforts. The data collected will be hosted on a city-owned platform, which could also benefit neighboring communities.

Besides the technical aspects, the commission discussed the importance of community engagement and education. Plans were made to distribute a monthly newsletter managed by the North Suffolk Office of Resilience to keep residents informed about high tide events. The outreach strategy also includes using postcards with engaging catchphrases to raise awareness, along with signage featuring QR codes for accessing sensor data and signing up for alerts. The commission members recognized the value of these efforts, with one noting the significant number of flooding events recorded over the past decade, stressing the need for comprehensive data collection.

In addition to flood monitoring, the commission addressed compliance matters for construction projects. The meeting reviewed a certificate of compliance for a property on Furong Drive, where Karen Johnson of Edge Environmental reported on successful site remediation following a gasoline leak. The commission praised the thoroughness and professionalism of the remediation efforts before unanimously approving the certificate.

Another compliance issue involved Nine Dun Road, where a site visit confirmed that although construction was incomplete, the structure met necessary regulations. The commission approved the certificate of compliance, noting the proper elevation and stabilization of the site.

The commission also discussed improper construction practices on Endicott A. Concerns were raised about construction rubble beneath a proposed French drain, with a member expressing worries about potential leaching of harmful substances into the ground. The importance of removing this rubble to comply with environmental standards was underscored, and a proposal was made for special conditions to ensure the correct installation of the drainage system. The commission emphasized the need for thorough site cleanup, the removal of all accumulated fill, and the introduction of vegetation to stabilize the soil.

The meeting concluded with discussions on site visit reports, including a visit to the River High School site, where water quality units were approved. The commission also touched on potential subcommittee formations to address broader issues. A motion to adjourn was made and approved.