0:00The most contentious topic of the meeting was the proposed dock facility on Oyster Cove Road, which faced considerable resistance from neighboring property owners. The dock’s construction required five variances due to its location relative to property boundaries and existing structures. During the presentation, Bob Perry, the civil engineer involved in the project, provided an overview, but the focus quickly shifted to the concerns of those living nearby.

Abutters, including Mark AOT and John Ozarkski, strongly opposed the dock, arguing that it infringed upon their rights and access to the water. Mark AOT highlighted an existing enforcement order against a structure built by another landowner and questioned its lack of enforcement. John Ozarkski added that the variances requested were excessive and raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding the ecological impact during low tide. The opponents emphasized potential infringement on easement rights and the dock’s impact on local habitats, expressing that it would disrupt the area’s ecological balance.

The Commission reiterated its limitations, explaining that their scope included only the wetlands protection act and the town bylaw, rendering easement rights outside their jurisdiction. Nonetheless, after deliberation, the Commission voted unanimously to deny the application due to the numerous variances requested. The decision aligned with the Commission’s emphasis on adhering to environmental regulations and protecting the local ecosystem.

22:02In another discussion, the Commission addressed modifications to a project on Parkers River. Adjustments were made to both a wall and pier system, each moved four feet to address previous concerns. The project involved increasing the dredge area and included plans for plant monitoring over three years. This discussion, while less contentious than the dock proposal, underscored the Commission’s ongoing focus on balancing development with environmental considerations.

The Commission also considered a project proposed by Alfredo Lopeil on Television Lane, which aimed to elevate a single-family dwelling and mitigate flooding through improved stormwater management. The presentation by Katarina Coroff from Strong Tree Engineering highlighted the project’s benefits, including raising the house above the flood zone and installing stormwater catch basins. Despite concerns about the potential redirection of floodwaters, the project was approved with special conditions, emphasizing the need to manage stormwater runoff effectively.

43:17In other matters, the Commission discussed a proposed dock project in Bass River, which involved reconstructing a deteriorated revetment and extending the dock beyond typical regulatory limits. Concerns were raised about the dock’s length and its proximity to the navigational channel. The Commission debated the necessity of the extended length to achieve sufficient water depth, ultimately highlighting the complexities of regulating construction in altered river environments.

1:23:34The meeting also addressed several enforcement orders and certificate compliance issues, notably involving John and Susan Basic’s property on Thatcher Shore Road. Unpermitted vegetation removal and filling in a vegetative wetland prompted the Commission to issue an enforcement order, mandating restoration under the guidance of a certified ecological restoration practitioner. The urgency of the restoration work was emphasized, with a timeline set for restoration plan submission and implementation.