The Marion Planning Board met on Monday night to hold a continued public hearing for a special permit request that would allow an association pier for two dwellings at 61 and 63 Oakdale Avenue. After last hearing on April 22, the construction representative declared a series of changes had been made from last meeting.
Firstly, the length of the pier had been shrunk about 40 feet; to 96 feet, down from 127 feet. To accommodate kayakers, the pier plans elevated the pier by 5 feet about the waterline. There would also be added lighting to define the pier to channel users. Instead of a ramp down the hill from the shore, stairs would be installed. After the talk of plan changes, a lengthy discussion was carried out between the properties’ representative, members of the public, and board members.
Member Dale Jones had been to the sight and talked to the Harbormaster. Speaking of the aforementioned alterations to the plan, he said, “these adjustments should work a lot better.” He added, “I think this is a good compromise.”
Following Jones’ comments, members Ryan Burke and Doug Guey-Lee discussed the creation and legality of the proposed association. 61 and 63 Oakdale Avenue would form an association for joint use of the pier. There had been questions as to the reasoning for the association creation at the last Planning Board meeting, with Chair Daniels having said an association seemed like a “loophole.”
Clerk Eileen J. Marum questioned pier orientation. She was answered east-west. The Clerk said it should really be north-west facing, as sunlight interference would be minimized to protect marine life. There were also other concerns levied for marine life and wildlife. The property representative said he had already gone through numerous channels and received certifications from the Army Corp of Engineer and the Conservation Commission, “which cover a lot of your concerns.” It was also asked whether the construction and final product would “minimize impacts to sensitive habitats?” The representative stated the position of the pylons is at the minimum number to reduce interference. A neighbor later stated they had seen osprey and worried of the pier’s impact on them.
A member of the public and neighbor on Oakdale rose, saying “It is not two single-family homes.” He carried, stating the two properties contain a two-family dwelling, an auxiliary dwelling, and another single-family dwelling unit.
Another local spoke of there being no large piers on Hammetts Cove currently. “The western shore is very congested” though there is no current construction on the east side. They also defended the public beach, saying the pier may be too close to the beach legally. They added the lot is non-conforming for a pier.
Land-based herbivores also migrate along the shore, another abutter said. “If you allow this owner to have a pier, other owners can as well.” They added, “who’s gonna police who’s on the pier?” citing the increased need of harbormaster resources to monitor pier usage and safety.
A member of the public was upset by there only being one member of the two properties present, arguing it’s “not an association” due to no other member of it being present. Also, there was discussion over wording in the Special Permit request. A section mentioned giving power to the property the pier would be built on to dictate the times of other members of the association can access it. The member said it did not seem like a fair and equal agreement.
A final neighbor worried of the change of environmental views. They stated the view of the cove would be impaired, “like building a bridge across the cove.” They also cited “the largest pier Hammetts Cove is something like 50 feet.”
Andrew Daniel then arrived later into the meeting. He mentioned having spoken with Town Council regarding the pier’s practicality and legality. He stated the pier would not conform to existing bylaws. A continuance was requested due to these concerns and the others. Member Ryan Burke said, “I don’t see this in front of us as something that should be continued – or considered.” That being said, the request was continued for June 2 with a vote of 5 for and 2 against.
The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board will be on Monday, May 19 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.
Marion Planning Board
By Sam Bishop