06/11/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 The applicant explained that the original amendment proposal included an expanded deck that extended closer to the pond and into a mitigation planting area. Following comments from the Commission at prior hearings, the deck was revised so that it would be no closer to the pond than the previously approved plan and would no longer extend into the mitigation planting area. It was noted that the matter had been continued from the previous hearing so that additional information could be provided regarding the size differences between the approved and proposed plans. The revised proposal was reviewed and it was explained that the home would be constructed with a garage and storage area at grade, with the primary living space located above. The proposed house footprint, exclusive of the deck and entryway, increased from approximately 960 square feet under the approved plan to approximately 1,200 square feet, an increase of approximately 248 square feet. It was further explained that the deck had been reconfigured and narrowed along the pond side of the structure while expanding over portions of the already approved driveway area. The previously approved deck area was approximately 480 square feet, while the proposed deck area was approximately 495 square feet. The total footprint of the house, deck, and entryway increased from approximately 1,512 square feet to approximately 1,943 square feet, an increase of approximately 430 square feet. The applicant stated that the proposed structure would not be located closer to the pond than the previously approved structure and would remain entirely within the previously approved limit of work. It was further noted that the project would continue to include removal of the existing dwelling located near the pond, installation of a denitrifying septic system, and construction of a rain garden designed to capture runoff from the roof and driveway. The applicant stated that the proposal would not result in any measurable increase in impacts to wetland resource areas. The Commission discussed the proposal and several members noted that the project represented a significant improvement over the existing conditions on the property. Appreciation was expressed for the revisions made to the deck layout in response to prior Commission concerns. Questions were raised regarding the landscape plan and retaining wall associated with the septic system. It was noted that previous discussions had included restoration and plantings around the wall, but no landscaping details were shown on the current plan. The applicant responded that the intent was to preserve as much existing woodland vegetation as possible and that no formal landscaping was currently proposed. Concerns were expressed regarding potential impacts to existing trees and understory vegetation during construction of the wall and how disturbed areas would be restored. The applicant stated that access to the site would occur through the driveway area and that no tree removal was proposed. Discussion followed regarding a potential condition requiring all work to remain within the property boundaries. The Commission also discussed the proposed foundation design. Questions were raised regarding previous representations that the structure would be supported by helical piles while the plans appeared to depict a conventional foundation wall. The applicant stated that the foundation would continue to utilize a helical pile design and explained that detailed structural plans had not yet been prepared because the project had not advanced to the building permit stage. Discussion followed regarding a possible condition requiring the use of a helical pile foundation and submission of final construction drawings for review. 6