09/18/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 NOI 228 Wading Place Road, Eprem Epremian. Proposed Construct and Maintain Elevated Boardwalk Invasive Removal & Mitigation (Representative: Cape & Islands) 43- 3363 • Raul Izardi of Cape and Islands Engineering presented it on behalf of the applicant, who was present in the audience. He reminded commissioners that about a month earlier,the applicant had informally sought guidance on permitting an accessible structure to reach his existing pier,given mobility challenges.At that time,the commission had advised pursuing a low-profile boardwalk similar to one already present on the neighboring property. • The formal application proposed constructing a boardwalk approximately two to two and a half feet above the dune, spanning about 66 feet. Its placement was chosen as the closest viable location on the property and angled slightly to avoid removing two existing cedar trees, though minor pruning of limbs would be necessary. The project triggered a mitigation requirement of over 1,000 square feet, and the applicant was offering 2,000 square feet of invasive removal and restoration as mitigation. Mr. Izardi clarified that this mitigation area was separate from a previous house-related project currently tied up in the courts,ensuring there would be no overlap or"double dipping." • Commissioners questioned whether there were a detailed planting plan showing layout and quantities of proposed species. Mr. Izardi explained that much of the invasive vegetation—bittersweet vines, black locust trees, multiflora rose, and English ivy—would need to be removed first, and only then could the team determine what native vegetation remained. Some dead trees,already overtaken by invasives,would also require replacement.He said a detailed planting plan would follow invasive removal,in line with their recommendation for two years of maintenance and reporting. • The commission inquired about construction details and how the boardwalk would hold up in storm events. Mr.Izardi noted that signage with the address and DEP permit number,typically used on docks and piers, would be affixed to the main stringers of the structure to help identify debris in the event of damage. Hurricane clips would connect yokes and stringers to help the 60-foot structure act as a unit. The piles supporting the boardwalk would be six inches in diameter,stronger than standard four-by-fours,and driven into the dune using handheld augers with wet sand stabilization. • When asked about adequacy in a velocity zone, he stated the shallow, open design would allow wave energy to pass over rather than lifting the boardwalk,and five feet of depth was sufficient. Commissioners reviewed the yoke spacing(ten feet on center) and agreed the design resembled a pier but at a low profile. • One commissioner asked about the legitimacy of approving a new project while another application for the same property was still pending in the courts. Mr. Izardi clarified that this boardwalk project did not overlap with the prior "raise and replace" house application or its associated mitigation. Therefore, he believed it was permissible to move forward. He emphasized that the pier already exists and is used, so providing access would be necessary regardless of the outcome of the other case. MOTION: To close and issue an Order of Conditions for 228 Wading Place Road with the following stipulations: • A detailed planting plan must be submitted after invasive removal. • Four signs with the DEP number and property address must be installed along the length of the boardwalk. • All posts must be hand-augured to a depth of five feet. Motion by: Richard Sahl Seconded by: Sandi Godfrey Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote.