08/21/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

Home Browse Search

Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 o Third, he noted that the deviation from standards was minimal, as the property's lack of a 75-foot buffer was pre-existing and would not worsen. The project otherwise complies with all other performance standards. o Finally, regarding mitigation, the bylaw requires 141 square feet of plantings, but the applicant is providing 656 square feet—more than four times the required amount. Landscape architect Andrew Garaway designed the new buffer area to mimic a natural vegetated edge, improving environmental conditions compared to the existing site. Wall concluded by stating that the project met all bylaw and regulatory waiver criteria and requested that the Commission grant the waiver. 19 Cricket Way- Commissioner Discussion and Request for Expert Review Ms. Thornbrugh thanked the team for the presentation and clarified that the revised Regulation 25—not the older"legacy"version—applies to this project, as it governs land subject to coastal storm flowage. She asked Attorney Wall to ensure his waiver letter reflected the correct regulation, since the earlier draft contained language about setbacks no longer in effect. Attorney Wall confirmed he had since reviewed the updated regulation and would revise the letter accordingly before the next hearing. Ms. Thornburgh then turned to Mr. Borselli, asking about the inclusion of dry wells on the plan. She recalled him mentioning stormwater management measures during a previous hearing but did not see them on the submitted drawings. Mr. Borselli confirmed that the updated plans would include dry wells or similar systems to manage roof runoff, which she welcomed. She described the property as unique and visually striping, with a coastal bank, revetment wall, and natural sedimentation patterns. Given the home's close proximity—within single-digit feetto the top of the coastal bank. Ms. Thornbrugh expressed concern about potential impacts during demolition and reconstruction, particularly regarding erosion and sediment transport. She recommended obtaining a technical review by a coastal geologist, specifically from either the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management(CZM) or the Barnstable County Extension Office, both of which offer free consultation services. Their experts could evaluate the project's effect on bank stability, construction methodology, and mitigation measures. Ms. Thornbrugh explained that these state and county reviews could substitute for a paid peer review and typically have a two-week turnaround, noting that Brian McCormick of Barnstable County was a qualified geologist who could likely assist. Both Attorney Wall and Mr. Borselli questioned whether such a review was necessary, given that the project was minor compared to others on the Cape. Attorney Wall observed that the coastal bank on this site was small and stable, unlike the steep, eroding banks in towns like Chatham or Orleans, and that no excavation or work was proposed below the bank. He contended that the construction would not compromise its stability. Ms. Thornbrugh agreed that the scale was smaller but noted that the regulations apply equally regardless of a bank's size. She reiterated that her concern was not with the design itself but with ensuring proper review of construction-phase impacts, such as heavy equipment operating near the top of the bank. Mr. Borselli concluded that a limit of work barrier would be clearly shown on the revised plan to keep all machinery and activity away from the bank edge. 19 Cricket Way—Limit of Work and Coastal Bank Protection Mr. Borselli expressed confidence that the bank would be adequately preserved under the current plan but acknowledged that commissioners could decide individually whether peer review was warranted. It was explained that demolition could be performed entirely from the landward side of the structure. He noted that modern excavators could remove materials from the back of the property without entering the Coastal Bank area, eliminating the need for heavy machinery to disturb sensitive zones. A commissioner, 19