Ken Hawkins seeks approval for seawall repair at 406 amid engineering concerns

In a pivotal meeting on June 18, 2025, the Winchester Town Inland Wetlands Commission focused on the urgent repair of a stone seawall at 406, with applicant Ken Hawkins outlining a meticulous handwork approach to the project. Emphasizing a commitment to environmental preservation, Hawkins confirmed that no machinery would be used in the lake, opting instead for traditional methods of chiseling and rebuilding the wall.

Commission members raised critical questions about the construction details, particularly the need for a clearer cross-section of the wall and the inclusion of essential materials like three-quarter-inch stone and murathi cloth to prevent sediment from entering the lake. The discussion highlighted the importance of visual clarity in the project’s plans, with members requesting full-size drawings to better understand the proposed work.

The commission unanimously accepted Hawkins' application, contingent upon addressing staff comments and providing additional documentation before the next meeting. The timeline for the project is set to align with a deep drawdown scheduled for October 1, allowing for necessary repairs without disrupting the aquatic environment.

As the commission prepares for the next steps, they emphasized the importance of thorough preparation to avoid delays in the approval process. The next meeting is scheduled for the third Thursday of July, where further progress on the seawall repair will be discussed.