08/21/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 systems on the property and that all rainwater currently infiltrates naturally into the soila condition he said was typical for the area. 27 Ocean Bluff Drive- Discussion on Stormwater and Site Conditions The applicant explained that the soil at the site was almost entirely sand, requiring deep excavation before encountering any denser material. Because of this, he had assumed rainwater mitigation measures would not be necessary, believing the sandy conditions would naturally absorb runoff. Ms. Thornbrugh clarified that stormwater management protocols were required for all active construction projects,particularly given the semi-pervious and compacted conditions of Ocean Bluff Drive. She explained that such runoff could easily reach nearby water bodies and contribute to sedimentation or other environmental impacts. She emphasized the need for defined stormwater control measures—such as silt fencing, straw wattles, or built-in dry wellsto prevent uncontrolled runoff from affecting the coastal banks. 27 Ocean Bluff Drive—Parking and Site Access Concerns Mr. Colombo raised concerns about parking limitations on the property, noting that during his site visit the owner had several guests, and the proposed addition appeared to eliminate parking spaces near the garage. He worried that the changes might create congestion, as the existing space was already tight. The representative acknowledged the concern but stated that parking arrangements were ultimately the homeowner's decision. If parking became insufficient, visitors could use nearby lots in New Seabury. Mr. Sahl showed support for the project, noting the addition was designed to create first-floor living for the homeowners' elderly parentsa practical and compassionate purpose. Ms. Pitt said her concerns had already been addressed, and Ms. Godfrey echoed worries about parking constraints and requested more information on the proposed dry wells and landscaping plan, which she had not yet reviewed due to its late submission. 27 Ocean Bluff Drive—Mitigation Details Mr. McManus noted that nitrogen loading calculations had been submitted, showing levels around one part per million due to the property's connection to the Seabury wastewater treatment facility. He explained that although the landscape mitigation plan arrived late, the previously submitted plans did identify mitigation areas, and the updated version simply provided more detail. He suggested that, to avoid overloading the already full September 4th agenda,the Commission could consider voting on the project that evening, conditioning approval on the inclusion of the updated planting and mitigation details. 27 Ocean Bluff Drive—Roof Runoff, Dry Wells, and Stormwater Mitigation Recommendations Commissioners discussed runoff control in more depth. The applicant confirmed that the property currently had no gutters and that rainwater simply dripped into surrounding sandy soils,which was common for Cape properties. The addition over the driveway would not include formal runoff capture beyond maintaining existing pea-stone surfaces and potentially adding a few planting beds. The Chair and Mr. Colombo expressed concern that without formal collection systems, runoff could worsen sedimentation issues. Mr. Kent recommended installing a dry well near the garage addition to capture roof runoff and at least one additional dry well at the rear of the property near the driveway to intercept stormwater before it reached the road. He emphasized that this would reduce water flow down the steep grade toward Shore Drive and Dean's Pond, where erosion and siltation were already problems. The applicant agreed to these recommendations and said the homeowners would have no objection to including dry wells in the revised plan. 15