01/08/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 • Stairs to the Beach: The proposed stairs generated significant discussion. Commissioners noted DMF concerns, the property's location in a velocity zone, and prior Commission precedent discouraging stairs in such areas. Staff also indicated that existing sand fill, cinder blocks, and boardwalk elements in the area may be recommended for removal and restoration with native salt marsh vegetation. The applicant and homeowner expressed a desire for stair access similar to neighboring properties but acknowledged willingness to shift or reconsider the stairs. • Existing Boardwalk and Beach Area: The Commission discussed potential removal of the existing boardwalk and restoration of the area with native high salt marsh plantings. No mitigation plan had yet been submitted addressing this component. Continuance and Required Revisions (40 Popponesset Island Road) Given the outstanding issues, the applicant requested a continuance, which the Commission unanimously approved. Prior to the continued hearing, the applicant agreed to: • Provide Harbormaster and Shellfish Constable comments; • Submit boat information(type, size, number, and mooring locations); • Address DMF concerns, including float clearance and stair placement; • Resolve abutter setback issues and provide any required abutter letters; • Reevaluate the stairs and boardwalk, including potential removal and restoration; and • Revise plans as necessary to reflect these changes. MOTION: To continue the NOI to January 22, 2026, for 49 Popponesset Island Road pending receipt and review of the additional information and revised plans. Motion by: Sandi Godfrey Seconded by: Richard Sahl Vote: Motion passed by unanimous vote. (Steven Cook, Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey, Seana Pitt, Richard Sahl) NOI 118 Shore Drive West. Proposed plan to relocate a path and perform vista pruning. (Representative: BSS Design, Inc.) 43- 3385 Project Overview (118 Shore Drive West) The applicant filed an NOI proposing to relocate an existing informal footpath and to conduct vista pruning within the coastal bank buffer at 118 Shore Drive West. The work is located within 75 feet of the top of the coastal bank and within an area mapped as Natural Vegetated Buffer Strip (NVBS). The representative explained that the existing path currently leads directly to the top of the coastal bank and ends abruptly at a steep drop, creating safety concerns and ongoing erosion pressure. The proposed plan would reroute the path away from the bank edge, utilizing permission from a neighboring property owner to direct pedestrian access inland toward an existing beach access route. The existing path near the bank would be eliminated and stabilized. 10