The controversy surrounding 97 Tippy Run was the focal point of the meeting. The applicant had replaced a planned stone paver path with a patio without prior approval, prompting a post-factum field change request. Commission members expressed frustration over the applicant’s decision to proceed without consent, highlighting that the issue spanned over a year and could have been avoided with proper procedure. Concerns were raised about the patio’s proximity to the revetment and its potential to create an impervious surface, thus altering the intended use of the space. One Commissioner pointed out that the patio constituted a notable change from the original proposal, emphasizing the risk it posed to the coastal environment and the possible erosion into the harbor.

Despite understanding the access challenges faced by the applicant, the Commission ultimately voted against approving the field change request. The denial led to discussions about potential next steps, including reverting to the original plan or submitting a new order to address the unauthorized changes.

Beyond this contentious topic, the Commission also focused on updating regulations for the coastal floodplain. The current regulations, based on outdated FEMA floodplain maps, do not account for future climate change predictions. As a result, the Commission discussed a dual approach to establish a coastal resilient zone, extending protections beyond the current FEMA-designated areas. This effort will involve a proposed bylaw change requiring town meeting approval and new regulations implemented by the Commission.

A community event is planned for September to present maps illustrating predicted flood areas by 2050, seeking to inform and involve residents in the decision-making process. The Commission aims to present a revised bylaw at the town meeting next spring and introduce subsequent regulations by next summer.

Additionally, the meeting addressed various compliance requests and ongoing projects. A partial certificate of compliance was approved for the revetment project on Tippy Run, despite deviations from the original design due to challenging site conditions. The commission noted the necessity of ongoing monitoring for the revetment’s performance, given the unusual methods employed in its construction.

The Commission also approved a certificate of compliance for a bulkhead replacement project on Old Harbor Road, with ongoing conditions to ensure continued environmental management. Discussions included the importance of maintaining conditions for other properties on Old Harbor Road.