The most significant item discussed was the request for an abbreviated notice of resource area delineation for the Wonderland Park property, which has been under scrutiny since the demolition of the dog racing track. LEC Environmental Consultants and Niche Engineering presented an overview of the wetland resource areas and floodplain delineation for the site. The delineation between coastal and inland flooding, the presence of non-bordering vegetated wetlands, and the Eastern County ditch with its associated resource areas were all detailed.

The Commission also considered a request to amend an order of conditions for a construction project on Arcadia Street. The project involved elevating the site and making modifications to drainage calculations to comply with state standards. During the public comments, a resident expressed support for the project, acknowledging the lengthy approval process and the benefits it would bring to the neighborhood. The hearing was closed, and the commission approved the requested amendment.

Another point of discussion was a two-year extension request to an order of conditions for a development on River Beach Boulevard. The project engineer provided a detailed history of the project, including the filing of permits and the obstacles encountered in obtaining state agency approvals. The discussion touched upon the complexities of negotiations with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) over the project’s impact on a coastal dune area. The commissioners backed the project, praising the cleanup efforts and highlighting the need to ensure proper management of stockpiles to prevent debris issues.

The Commission also addressed a continuation of a notice of intent for a project on Bay Road. The applicant, accompanied by an architect and a contractor, proposed measures such as strengthening a fence and redirecting drain pipes to a pervious surface. The commission closed the hearing after discussing the elevation of the building, the removal of a shed, and the replacement of artificial turf, and approved the notice of intent.

In addition, a continuation of another notice of intent for a project on Pratt Street was discussed. The representative for the project covered minor administrative corrections based on feedback from the Department of Environmental Protection. While there were public concerns about the project’s impact on the Remy Marsh AC designation, the commission favored direct communication with the developer to prevent delays.

The meeting also delved into the request to delay a project related to the Bell Isle Marsh area to gather stakeholder input. The commission acknowledged the importance of protecting the resource area and discussed the environmental impact concerns, including the removal of Japanese knotweed and the cleanup of a nearby creek. The commission agreed to continue the discussion to the next meeting for further comments and assessment.

An enforcement issue was brought up regarding unauthorized paving in an area subject to coastal storm flowage. The property owner and their family presented their case, leading to a debate among the commissioners about the impact of the paving on storm damage and flooding, and whether there was a need for an after-the-fact notice of intent or a request for determination of applicability.

The Commission also entertained a notice of intent for a property on Jones Road, where the property owner and a construction representative proposed the addition of three in-line catch basins to manage roof runoff. However, the commission could not issue a decision due to the absence of a file number.

Other discussions included the need for a tripod for common use and scheduling site walkdowns for early May. The meeting concluded with further correspondence and site visits, along with a motion to adjourn, which was passed.