The proposed staircase on Shore Road intended to provide water access for activities like kayaking and boating, sparked a nuanced discussion. The project included environmental benefits such as the removal of invasive plants and planting of native species to benefit the local habitat. However, concerns were raised about the necessity of the staircase given the nearby fish pier and the potential visual impact of multiple staircases on the eroding coastal bank. Despite reservations, the board voted to approve the application with a seasonal condition for stairway removability.

Similarly, the application for an elevated stairway and landings on Shore Road faced scrutiny regarding its environmental impact and the suitability for the proposed use. The applicant’s representative underscored the project’s environmental benefits, including bank stabilization and habitat preservation. The board engaged in a conversation regarding the criteria for the proposed use and its community impact, though a conclusive decision was not reached within the transcript provided.

During the meeting, the board also deliberated on a separate item involving the conversion of an existing barn into a three-story guest house on Croll Road. Neighbors, particularly the Patton family, voiced strong opposition, raising concerns about potential lifestyle disruptions and questioning the project’s adherence to bylaw criteria. Their representative argued against the reconstruction, suggesting the development could be used as a separate rental dwelling unit, which would detrimentally affect the neighborhood.

The board also examined another issue: a proposed accessory structure with living space above it designed to serve as a pool house or guest house. The board sought to clarify the purpose of the structure, its impact on neighbors, and future property use. Despite the applicants’ assurances that the building would not be rented out separately, the board debated whether to add conditions regarding the prohibition of cooking facilities to prevent its use as a separate dwelling unit.

Moreover, the board reviewed an application for a new project on Croll Road, which had been previously withdrawn due to concerns about mass and architectural style. The new proposal showed a reduction in building height and increased setbacks. The board did not express any objections to the revised design.