The application for a private pier extending into Aucoot Cove hit a snag when residents of the area told the engineer, Doug Schneider of N. Douglas Schneider & Associates, that there was ledge beneath the barrier beach – the location for the proposed pier.
Jay Duker, 112 Aucoot Road, has built a new home and received a conservation permit for beach nourishment, but his plan for a private pier has met with a number of abutter complaints and concerns.
When the application came before the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission on April 13, abutters told the commission that public access to the marshlands and beach areas, as well as their enjoyment of unfettered views, would be negatively affected by a pier. There was also concern that the barrier beach is subject to erosion.
On April 27, the commission heard another reason why construction of a pier at that location might not be advisable.
Richard Cederberg, 108 Aucoot Road, told the commission that 25 years prior, when he was constructing his dock, ledge was discovered under the seafloor making it impossible to install pilings. He said that a two-ton boulder was placed in the water in order to secure his dock to something stable, a practice he readily admitted would probably not be acceptable by today’s regulations. Nonetheless, he questioned the wisdom of the plan given that ledge is present.
Schneider conceded he was unaware of ledge in the area and would discuss this with his client. He also reported that a new eelgrass study had been completed, noting the absence of eelgrass in the proposed pier location. Schneider will review options and problems with his client and return on May 14 to continue the hearing.
Also during the meeting, the long-awaited resolution to stormwater management problems at the Appaloosa Lane subdivision seemed to end on a positive note when Brian Grady of G.A.F. Engineering presented a final plan. Grady also submitted a letter from the Town’s engineering firm, Field Engineering, which detailed their support and approval of the plan modifications. Also on hand in support of the updated drainage system plans was Highway Superintendent Barry Denham.
Denham said, “This is the best drainage out there and best for the neighbors … I agree with the plan.”
Also coming before the commission to continue informal discussions were the residents of Seabreeze Lane. Joe Anzaldi of 3 Seabreeze Lane and Lori Craig of 4 Seabreeze Lane were asked to meet with the Conservation Commission regarding violations to wetlands restrictions reported by the Buzzards Bay Coalition.
Both Anzaldi and Craig admitted that inadvertent encroachment into protected wetlands areas had occurred, and they came prepared to offer mitigation and concessions.
Commission member Tom Copps said he was concerned that property owners in the future will think it okay to violate conservation restrictions and orders of conditions by simply offering mitigation after the fact, a point member King referred to as “easier to ask forgiveness than permission.”
That being said, the Craigs will review the additional amount of lawn area they are willing to return to a natural state, while the amount offered by Anzaldi seemed to be acceptable to the commission.
Chairman Bob Rogers offered suggestions on how to proceed toward full public hearings for the issues discussed. Each resident will submit applications for notices of intent.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for May 14 at 6:30 pm in the Town Hall conference room.
By Marilou Newell
