The meeting opened with the approval of a beach nourishment project on Harborview Lane, which had been pending further review. A consultant presented the project, which entailed placing 66 cubic yards of sand over an existing revetment. This approach was recommended to counteract sand loss, as advised by the coastal resilience director. The commission considered whether future sand placement should be subject to specific trigger points, eventually deciding that such triggers would remain relevant for potential future nourishment if needed. An agreement was reached to document the commission’s decision to reduce the sand amount from the original proposal of 187 cubic yards to 66 cubic yards. The hearing was closed, and the order of conditions was approved unanimously. A similar project for beach nourishment on Harborview Lane followed, and it was approved expeditiously due to its similarities to the 42 Harborview Lane project.

Another discussion revolved around the decking materials for a seasonal ramp. Initially, a proposal to extend the ramp by two feet was withdrawn, shifting the focus to the materials used. Commissioners debated the environmental impact of replacing current plank decking with fiberglass reinforced plastic, known as “throughflow.” Concerns were raised about the material’s durability and long-term environmental impact, particularly regarding microplastics in marine environments. Despite these concerns, it was acknowledged that the throughflow allowed substantial sunlight penetration, benefiting the vegetation below. The commission resolved to keep the hearing open for further discussion, especially given the upcoming zoning meeting, while approving the order of conditions for the ramp project.

The commission also addressed a field change request from the Hadad family on Forest Bluffs Road. The homeowners sought to replace a required single rail fence with steel edging along their mitigation area, arguing it would be visible and prevent landscapers from encroaching on the conservation area. Stephen Hadad emphasized the voluntary nature of the project, aimed at removing invasive species and replacing them with environmentally friendly plant material. The commission approved the request, with members expressing a preference for the steel edging over a fence for aesthetic reasons.

Another field change request for a property on C Pine Road was reviewed, involving the elimination of a portion of mitigation required for a septic system replacement that was no longer necessary. The commission approved the request after clarifying the project’s landscape design and confirming that it was a minor issue.

A project on Old Harbor Road, presented by representatives of the Blue Heron Trust, involved relocating an existing dwelling, constructing additions, and installing a swimming pool and cabana. The proposed mitigation strategy focused on replacing maintained lawn areas with native plantings, benefiting the coastal bank’s condition. However, the commission sought clarification on the native versus non-native plant percentages in the plan. The commission continued discussions to ensure compliance with native planting requirements and address concerns regarding mitigation plant placement.

The meeting also included a review of a Notice of Intent for a property on Gillis Road, where applicants proposed removing an existing historic dwelling and constructing a new home on an adjacent property. The plans exceeded the allowed coverage percentage, prompting discussions on mitigation and restoration efforts to protect vulnerable water bodies. The commission decided to continue the discussion at a future meeting, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive mitigation plan.