The Marion Conservation Commission met at the Police Station on March 25 to approve some routine matters and discuss whether it should follow the town’s lead with more digital documentation.
The commission first continued a public hearing for Creative Property Associates LLC, 160 Allens Point Road.
At a hearing earlier this month, ConCom took issue with some of the work being conducted adjacent to salt-marsh lands. The applicant is seeking to construct an accessory garage and dwelling unit above an upgraded septic system. They have modified plans so there is a slope barrier between the structure and the marsh. New plans also call for elevated walkways.
“I think this is a much less impactful design,” said commissioner Shaun Walsh, noting that there will be less intrusion on the salt marsh.
Commissioners took no issue with Theresa Fitzpatrick’s plans to demolish and rebuild a new home within a flood zone on Beach Street. Fitzpatrick said her original plans were to rebuild over the foundation, but when that plan did not seem feasible, she scrapped it and is now looking for a complete rebuilding. She said she is working with Zoning Commissioner Bob Grillo, as the new foundation location will lead to some elevation and other changes. Members did not view it as an issue, noting that the construction is in a flood zone but not in wetlands or environmentally sensitive areas.
The commission also debated the merits of digitizing all documents. They weighed the pros and cons, with positives including that it would minimize the need for filing cabinets and paper, which are always susceptible to water or fire damage.
However, commissioners also pointed out that many site plans are hard to reach digitally, especially when the commission is out in the field. They also pointed out that many documents require legal signatures. Commissioners appeared to favor initial paper plans that later become digitized when all legal matters are settled.
The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00 pm at the Police Station.
Marion Conservation Commission
By Jeffrey D. Wagner