08/06/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 Mr. Davis reported that the Friends had applied for and received approval for Community Preservation Committee (CPC) funding for a greenhouse and raised beds at the site. The funding was scheduled for consideration at fall Town Meeting and was contingent upon execution of an agreement with the Town and Town Meeting approval. The Friends also planned to engage Cape and Islands Engineering to document existing conditions and develop a site plan addressing the proposed greenhouse, raised beds,parking and overall site layout. Mr. Davis stated that plans would be presented to the Conservation Commission before work proceeded. The Friends also intended to establish a working group to discuss development of both the exterior site and the interior of the existing building. Mr. Davis explained that the building contained four apartments; the Recreation Department was interested in using one, while the Friends anticipated using the remaining three for office, visitor center and storage purposes. The proposed working group could include the Recreation Department, a representative of the Town Manager's office or Select Board, and a representative associated with the Conservation Commission. Commissioners discussed whether a Conservation Commissioner should participate in the working group,noting that doing so could create a potential recusal issue when future project components came before the Commission for permitting and could affect quorum. Alternatives discussed included participation by a Conservation Department staff member or seeking environmental input through the Environmental Oversight Committee. In response to a question regarding the Commission's role if CPC funding received Town Meeting approval, it was explained that the CPC funding was contingent upon Conservation Commission approval because portions of the property were within 200 feet of the water. Proposed improvements, including the greenhouse, raised beds and parking, would therefore be subject to Conservation Commission review. Potential future trails were also mentioned. The property was described as being located on Route 151 near where the Childs River passes beneath the road, with a long wooded driveway and the building set back near the water. The discussion also referenced Johns Pond, a smaller pond identified as Flying Squirrel Pond, and the possibility of vernal pools on the property. The Commission agreed to hold off on placing selection of a working-group representative on a future agenda until the Friends finalized their agreement with the Town. Mr. Davis stated that they hoped to complete the agreement during the month and that it needed to be finalized before fall Town Meeting. 61 & 67 Shoestrin!Bay Road—Decision The Commission deliberated on the application for 61 & 67 Shoestring Bay Road following closure of the hearing on July 23. The Commission noted that it was on day 14 of the 21-day decision period and would not meet again before the deadline. The cumulative impact report was identified as the final document submitted by the applicant. Mr. Colombo read five separate findings into the record: 1. Peer Review/Cumulative Impacts: Mr. Colombo stated that the peer review by Brian McCormick provided useful information regarding tidal elevations,preliminary slope stability, localized marsh hydrology and marsh migration,but expressly stated that assessing cumulative impacts was beyond the scope of the review. He found that the applicant therefore did not provide the integrated analysis necessary 2