Josiah Hatch will be allowed to fill the sinkholes behind the seawall on his property that were worsened by the December 21, 2023, storm.
On February 14, the Marion Conservation Commission heard from Hatch, who filed a Request for Determination of Applicability to fill approximately eight sinkholes with aggregate and clean fill behind the seawall at his 184 Allen’s Point Road home. No work is planned for the seawall.
Noting he was accompanied online by Steve Nicholson, his excavator and mason, Hatch outlined a process whereby Nicholson will apply layers of “loam tails” backed by fabric and compacted, then topsoil, grass and vegetation.
“We’re hoping to do it as soon as possible because I don’t want to get another one of those storms that we had on December 21that wreaked havoc with the ground behind the seawall,” said Hatch. “Fortunately, there was no damage to the seawall, but my concern is if we get another storm, it’s got nothing behind it to hold it.”
Conservation Commission Chairman Jeff Doubrava noted from his site visit that it looked like the seawall had been eclipsed by the December 21 water. Hatch said he’s been there since 2010 and this was the worst situation to date, putting 2 feet of water on his property in spots.
Member Shaun Walsh wondered aloud how Natural Heritage received information on Hatch’s application because the agency does not weigh in on RDA applications.
Conservation Agent Doug Guey-Lee advised that any time habitat is present, Natural Heritage looks to weigh in. Guey-Lee said priority habitat will influence his recommendation of filing with Natural Heritage.
“It’s not an issue for us,” said Walsh, supporting a negative determination given the project is to fill in sink holes on what had been lawn. “I don’t think that should hold up our vote on this.”
At Doubrava’s motion, the commissioners voted a Negative 2 determination, green-lighting Hatch’s plan.
In other business, the commissioners approved Blankenship Trust, LLC’s request for a three-year extension permit to demolish a house at 468 Point Road.
Walsh led a discussion of the Boatyard Park Boundary Survey, a 15-acre parcel behind the cove near A&J Boats where exists a diamondback terrapin sandy turtle nesting garden. Walsh said there is public access to the area off Point Road, but the area is not marked.
“It’s a beautiful site. It’s open space, it’s just underutilized,” said Walsh, citing a lack of signage at the property bordering four, small private lots. “We don’t want people trespassing on property that is not owned by the town.”
The solution he recommended is to hire a surveyor and signage to inform the public.
Walsh said he submitted an application to the Community Preservation Committee for $7,100 in CPA funds, an amount he intends to increase to improve the signposts from metal to concrete when he goes back before the CPC Friday, March 8.
CPC-recommended projects are subject to Town Meeting vote.
In other business, the commissioners approved spending $150 each for Walsh and Guey-Lee to attend the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions 2024 Annual Conference being held on Saturday, March 2, in Worcester.
Finally, Doubrava publicly recognized board administrator Terri Santos in her final meeting with the commission. Santos is retiring but says she will be around.
The Marion Conservation Commission was scheduled to meet on February 28 at 7:00 pm at the Police Station.
Marion Conservation Commission
By Mick Colageo