10/23/2025 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 featuring an innovative/alternative (I/A) MicroFAST septic system, new landscaping,hardscape, and stormwater management measures. The new home would be built at elevation 14.1 feet on pilings to meet FEMA flood code requirements. The proposed raised leach field would include five-foot-high retaining walls, and the I/A system would reduce nitrogen output from 15.06 ppm to 10.46 ppm, thereby improving groundwater protection despite the additional bedroom. Landscape architect Andrew Garraway detailed a mitigation plan with 2,491 square feet of native plantings, exceeding the required 2:1 mitigation ratio. The plan features Eastern red cedar, inkberry,bayberry, winterberry, highbush blueberry, and sweet fern to restore habitat and replace ornamental species. Additional features include pervious gravel driveways, dry wells and catch basins for stormwater control, and strategic grading to preserve a wildlife corridor between the septic retaining wall and abutting property. Commissioners questioned waiver requests, including one under Regulation 31.1 (limiting lawn coverage to 10% of the lot) and another for work within the 75-foot floodplain buffer. Ms. Thornburg noted the lack of a clear "compelling need"justification for increasing the dwelling's footprint in a flood zone, citing environmental ethics, cumulative impacts, and regulatory consistency. While she supported raising the home for flood compliance, she argued that expansion required stronger environmental reasoning. Attorney Adam Brodsky, representing the applicants, agreed to submit revised waiver requests addressing each criterion in Chapter 172.7(a)(3) and to provide additional documentation demonstrating public and environmental benefits. The Commission also discussed foundation design, stormwater flow, and potential floodwater channeling between the applicant's and abutter's retaining walls. The applicants agreed to adjust grading or connect the walls to prevent water funneling and clarified that the modular block walls, less than four feet high, would not require deep excavation or engineering. Commissioners requested building and foundation plans,pier layouts,wall details, and confirmation that the slab will include flood drainage openings. During public comment, abutters Paul and Katie Thurston(9 Deans Hollow Road) expressed support for the IA system but requested conditions to prevent drainage impacts, preserve privacy, and maintain stability along the shared property line. Their letter requested that existing boundary trees be preserved, a nine-foot vegetated buffer remain between retaining walls, and construction details be clarified to prevent erosion. They also recommended height limits for the retaining wall and additional evergreen screening to preserve neighborhood character. After discussion, the Commission acknowledged the project's environmental benefits, including nitrogen reduction and flood compliance, but determined that additional documentation was required before approval. The applicants must submit revised waiver requests, detailed foundation and retaining wall plans, and updated stormwater documentation addressing abutter concerns. MOTION: To continue 5 Dean's Hollow Road to November 13, 2025. Motion by: Sarah Thornbrugh Seconded by: Richard Sahl Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. (Steven Cook, Sarah Thornbrugh, Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey, Seana Pitt, Richard Sahl) 10