00:35The meeting began with a discussion on Rebecca Eaton’s request to remove 12 red maples obstructing views of Allen Creek, a coastal salt marsh and tidal creek. Represented by Mark Roberts from Analysis and Design Engineering, Eaton’s proposal aimed to replace the trees with 20 native shrubs. The trees, each about 50 feet tall, are situated near a marsh, and the project includes erosion controls at the site’s edge. A tree encroaching from an adjacent lot would also be pruned, pending the abutter’s approval.

08:45The Commission engaged in a thorough debate on the ecological and aesthetic implications of the tree removal. One member questioned the necessity of cutting all 12 trees, given the existing view of the river. Suggestions were made to increase the number of shrub plantings to preserve the site’s visual appeal post-removal. Ultimately, the Commission recognized that the activity, while within the 100-foot riverfront buffer zone, qualified for a minor exemption under the Rivers Act. A motion to approve the tree removal and shrub replanting was made and seconded, with standard conditions to be applied.

10:58The meeting then shifted focus to David Mora’s notice of intent to construct an elevated dune staircase on Cherry West Lane. This proposal followed a previous enforcement order related to unauthorized construction and vegetation clearing on the dune. The revised plan, presented by Chris Gratelli, a wetland scientist, retained the staircase’s footprint but elevated it on helical piles to allow sediment movement, aligning with the Wetland Protection Act. The landing initially planned at the top was removed, simplifying access from the dune’s base to its summit.

18:13Gratelli presented a planting strategy to restore native vegetation around the staircase, taking into account the habitat needs of the spadefoot toad. The plan proposed planting 19 black cherry trees, 21 bush blueberries, and beach grass and switchgrass plugs.

14:44Commission members queried the staircase’s functionality, especially regarding user navigation of the steep slope beyond the dune’s top. Gratelli explained that while the staircase would facilitate access to the dune’s peak, traversing down to the beach would require additional caution due to the terrain’s steepness. Recognizing the height gain, the Commission deliberated on the proposal’s merits, balancing property owner access desires with ecological considerations.

16:30The discussion also revisited the enforcement action concerning the pre-existing stairwell, integrated into the dune, which caused adverse effects and required removal. The new design, featuring a two-foot elevation above the dune for natural sand movement, was deemed compliant with the 310 CMR 10.28 regulations. The Commission emphasized restoring disturbed areas, particularly those impacted by ongoing maintenance activities that inhibited vegetation growth.

The Commission recommended lifting the enforcement order upon project completion, contingent on adhering to the revised plan dated June 4, 2025. Special conditions included maintaining a two-foot separation for the new stairwell, even with sand accumulation, and ensuring native shrubs and trees’ restoration. A two-year period for plant survival, with a 75% success rate, was stipulated.

22:54Concerns about future property modifications were addressed, with the Commission underscoring regulations on dune activities. Wildlife passage, particularly for deer, was considered, given the stairwell’s minimum two-foot height requirement. The Commission discussed adding handrails for safety and prohibiting man-made structures like Moby mats in the dunes.

28:01A motion to remove the enforcement order, allowing for the proposed restoration and stairwell construction, was made and approved unanimously. The motion included prohibitions on further construction beyond the staircase’s top.