Chatham Commission Approves Critical Coastal Projects

The Chatham Conservation Commission meeting was marked by discussions and pivotal decisions on several high-stakes environmental and construction projects. Notably, the commission approved an extension request by the Chatham Conservation Foundation for zero Orleans Road, allowing for three growing seasons with an expiration date of June 13, 2025. The commission also engaged in a substantial debate on a range of topics including erosion control, construction amendments, and native vegetation restoration.

Central to the discussions was a controversial project on Salt Pond Road involving the extension of an existing stone revetment. The applicant’s detailed presentation, which spurred questions and comments from the commission about the amount of sand needed and the planting of beach grass, revealed concerns regarding the necessity of the revetment and potential erosion.

Another project discussed was the proposal on Sepine Road, which involved raising and replacing an existing structure and installing a new sewage disposal system. The project, which straddles a 10-ft wide easement and is adjacent to Crows Pond, aimed to increase the separation to the top of the Coastal Bank while preserving the natural grade changes. The commission requested clarification on the layout and impact of the proposed construction, particularly with regard to the setback variances and the unusual natural occurrence affecting the 50ft line to the Coastal Bank.

The commission also reviewed a project at 155 and Bridge Street by Eastwood Companies. The project’s amendment sought to relocate dwellings further away from resource areas, complying with zoning regulations by removing all development from the floodplain. The commission requested additional information, such as coverage calculations and a fuller plan for the next phase of the project.

Additionally, a request for an amended order of conditions for a property on Shore Road was discussed. The applicant’s representative presented revised plans for bank stabilization and beach access stairs construction and maintenance. The commission sought clarification on several aspects of the project, including the storage bin at the lowest landing and the location of the mitigation plantings, as well as the performance of previously planted Beach Plum species.

In a separate discussion about a Coastal Bank restoration project, the commission debated the restoration plan, which included removing invasive plants and replacing them with native species. The debate focused on maintaining the height of certain trees, replacing wooden timbers with stone steps, and protecting existing native vegetation during the project.

The landscaping plan for a property on Edgewater Drive was another topic of interest, with the commission ultimately deciding to maintain the original plant list but adjust its location to address concerns about the impact of taller plants on neighboring properties.

The meeting included a review of certificates of compliance for a property on Seashell Drive, related to beach nourishment, stairs installation, and bank stabilization. The commission discussed the ongoing conditions and inspections conducted to ensure compliance.

An unexpected query came from a member of the audience, Harriet Prout, who inquired about a letter sent to the Cape Cod Commission and the expected timeline for a hearing. The commission clarified that they were proceeding with their review process independently of the Cape Cod Commission’s actions.

Lastly, the commission announced an upcoming special hearing for the airport project and emphasized the need for individual statements from commission members regarding their positions on the project’s compliance with performance standards.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Town Manager:
Jill R. Goldsmith
Environmental Commission Officials:
Janet Williams, Karen Lattin, Robert Ralls, Robert DelVecchio, Mary Sullivan, Elise Gordon, Cheryl Meservey, Eric Hilbert, Cory J. Metters (Select Board Liaison), Paul Wightman (Conservation Agent/North Beach Manager), Crystal Keon (Conservation Division Administrative Assistant)

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