The most engaging moment of the meeting was the presentation by Girl Scouts from Troop 70976, who proposed installing bat houses to combat the rising mosquito population. The scouts explained that bats, as natural predators of mosquitoes, offer an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical sprays. The project, part of their quest for the prestigious Silver Award, involves installing bat houses on poles to keep them away from human dwellings and is set to commence in late winter or early spring. The scouts plan to fund the initiative through cookie sales. The commission members warmly received the presentation, with a motion to accept the project passing unanimously.

The meeting also featured a continued notice of intent for property renovations on Glenwood Street, owned by Paul and Nancy Cruz. The proposed renovations include expanding a deck, adding a shed, and managing invasive species while restoring native plants. The property, situated in a velocity zone near Lewis Bay, presents challenges due to its location and existing enforcement orders. The commission expressed concerns about the addition of structures like the shed and fire pit, given the property’s vulnerability to severe weather events. There was a discussion about the necessity and potential hazards of these structures, with some members questioning the rationale behind maintaining a fire pit in a velocity zone.

Discussions emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations designed to mitigate storm impacts. The commission members also scrutinized the proposal’s mitigation calculations, particularly the significant increase in the planned mitigation area from 1,200 to 3,300 square feet. Representatives from JM O’Reilly Associates advocated for the increase, arguing it would enhance the health of the salt marsh by filtering stormwater and slowing runoff. As negotiations continued, the commission scheduled further discussions for March 5 to allow time for revisions and additional considerations.

Another major topic was a presentation concerning ecological restoration efforts on Wear Road by Rick Bishop from the Friends of Bass River and Nick Nelson from the Interflu Firm. The project aims to enhance water quality, restore fish passage, and balance the ecological integrity of the area, particularly focusing on abandoned cranberry bogs. Nelson detailed the project’s goals, which include removing flow control structures and invasive species, and improving infrastructure to address climate change and rising sea levels. The commission expressed interest in the project’s potential to restore historical fish habitats and improve local biodiversity.

The project includes removing a berm and replacing a culvert under Weir Road to improve water flow and ecological connectivity. The commission members were enthusiastic about the potential environmental benefits but also concerned about the project’s execution and its impact on the local community. There was extensive discussion about maintaining pedestrian access through the site and ensuring the proposed structures blend with the natural habitat. The project is currently in the permitting phase, with plans to proceed to bidding by the end of the year.

Additionally, the meeting addressed a coastal stabilization project proposed by Crawford Land Management. The plan involves using bioengineering methods to stabilize a coastal bank, which has experienced erosion. The proposal includes installing coir fiber rolls and removing invasive tree species to create a vegetative buffer strip. Concerns were raised about the project’s long-term effectiveness and potential impacts on adjacent properties. The commission called for further evaluation and revisions, scheduling another discussion for March 5.

The meeting also touched on a proposal to relocate and elevate a dwelling on Lewis Bay Boulevard as part of the Yarmouth Shores Condo Association. The project aims to move the dwelling further from the coastal bank and reduce hardscape within buffer zones. While the commission acknowledged the project’s intent to comply with flood zone regulations, concerns about the lack of proposed mitigation measures were expressed.

Finally, discussions included a drainage improvement proposal for Grand View Drive to address flash flood events. The Harbor Haven Association aims to enhance drainage infrastructure without expanding the existing parking lot. The commission debated the proposal’s compliance with coastal performance standards and the appropriateness of the proposed materials. The need for accurate delineation of resource areas and additional data to support the design decisions was emphasized.