The restoration project on Associates Road, presented by Wilkinson Ecological Design, aimed to tackle invasive species on nearly half an acre of land. The proposal involved the removal of invasive plants, restoration seeding, and the planting of native shrubs. The project was designed to enhance biodiversity and improve wildlife habitat. The plans included removing 50% of the invasive species and planting native shrubs at a density of 7 feet apart. The restoration would span three growing seasons, starting in late summer or early fall, with an emphasis on using a temporary irrigation system to mitigate drought conditions.

During the presentation, it was suggested that a mowing strip could help maintain the new plantings by preventing invasive species from encroaching. However, the presenter expressed concerns about potentially harming existing native plants without fencing. Commission members supported the restoration effort but recommended increasing the shrub density to 8 feet apart. The homeowner agreed to increase the number of shrubs, addressing concerns about plant size discrepancies. The hearing on this proposal concluded with a unanimous decision to close and take the matter under advisement.

Another topic was the controversial use of artificial turf within an outer buffer zone. The turf, part of a fenced dog run, raised environmental concerns about creating another impervious surface. While the artificial turf was porous, the substrate underneath comprised sand, prompting further discussions. However, one member opposed allowing the artificial turf, comparing it to a Tucson, Arizona, practice where a green-painted concrete slab was used to address similar issues. The board debated the possibility of conditioning the project with mitigation efforts, considering a ratio of 2:1 or 3:1, though time constraints prevented an immediate evaluation.

The meeting also addressed vegetation management, focusing on the installation of artificial turf and the maintenance of large shrub vegetation. The conversation highlighted the impracticality of removing established vegetation for replanting and emphasized allowing understory vegetation to naturalize. The importance of maintaining healthy stems for regrowth was noted, with discussions on managing non-advantageous stems through stump sprout management.

An ongoing issue on Lakeshore Drive involved unpermitted construction activities, including vegetation removal and the building of a rock wall within a buffer zone. The commission had previously issued an enforcement order, and a restoration plan was proposed, which included planting native species such as sweet pepper bush and huckleberry. The commission discussed the need for protective fencing and ensuring no significant grading changes. The hearing was closed, and the matter was taken under advisement.

Additionally, the commission deliberated on a project on Little Neck Bars Road, where an applicant sought permission to reconstruct a garage, install a pool, and make other developments. The property, near Fresh Pond and wetlands, was subject to coastal storm flowage. The proposal included demolishing the existing garage and constructing a new one further from the wetlands. The commission’s unanimous agreement facilitated the project’s progress.

A separate project on Kerry Lane aimed to manage invasive species while maintaining a view corridor towards Buzzard’s Bay. The plan involved removing invasive bittersweet and honeysuckle while selectively managing native species to preserve views. Discussions focused on maintaining trees as shrubs and ensuring clear communication of management terminology.