05/21/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 grading, existing vegetation, tree impacts, the relationship to the house, and avoidance of additional retaining walls. Ms. Waller stated that shifting the pool farther north could require additional grading and could impact existing vegetation and trees. Mr. Dibb stated that the proposed location balanced the project needs with mitigation benefits, and that moving the pool farther from the bank could reduce the amount of lawn removal and native buffer enhancement. Commissioners also discussed removal of mature trees. The applicant's representatives stated that tree mitigation was proposed,but the Chair requested an inventory of the trees proposed for removal. Conservation staff noted that two pitch pines on the property showed signs of pine borer beetle infestation, including one dead tree and one affected tree, and recommended that those trees be added to the removal list, with logs removed from the site and stumps ground. Staff stated that replanting the bank with native vegetation would be a benefit,particularly because the existing bank area was largely ornamental plantings, including hydrangeas. Further discussion addressed Regulation 16 for coastal banks. A commissioner questioned whether the proposed activity was included within the activities allowed under the coastal bank performance standards and noted that work within 75 feet of the bank must not adversely affect protected wetland values. Mr. Dibb responded that the regulation also allowed other work within 150 feet of a coastal bank if the work would not destroy portions of the bank or impair the bank's ability to perform its protected functions. He stated that the project would enhance,rather than impair,the bank by replacing lawn and ornamental landscaping with native vegetation. The Chair suggested that the applicant evaluate whether a compromise design could reduce the pool and patio's proximity to the 50-foot buffer while still preserving meaningful mitigation along the coastal bank. Mr. Dibb stated that the applicant did not believe relocation would improve the project environmentally,but agreed to assess the relationship between pool location and mitigation benefit. He also agreed to provide additional materials, including floor plans, written documentation regarding the ACEC boundary, assessment of the pool location and mitigation tradeoff,tree information, and consideration of whether the waiver request should be expanded to include Regulation 16 if needed. One commissioner stated that the applicant had submitted information regarding a compelling need for the pool related to a family member's medical needs. Attorney Wall stated that the project design, including the pool location and transition from the house to the pool area,was driven by those medical needs and mobility considerations, as described in a letter from a treating physician. He stated that the proposed plan was carefully designed based on those needs and the associated mitigation tradeoffs. The applicant requested a continuance to allow a commissioner to access and view the site and to allow the applicant to provide the additional information discussed. MOTION: To continue 29 Flat Pond Circle to June 11, 2026. Motion by: Richard Sahl Seconded by: Paul Colombo Vote: Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Steve Cook, Paul Colombo, Richard Sahl, Seana Pitt COC 236 Wheeler Road, Steven Dupree. Proposed conservation landscape plan. (Representative: Environmental Landscape Solutions, LLQ. 43- 3274 Mr. McManus stated that there were no issues and it passed inspection. MOTION: To approve the COC for 236 Wheeler Road. Motion by: Richard Sahl Seconded by: Paul Colombo Vote: Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Steve Cook,Paul Colombo,Richard Sahl, Seana Pitt 11