Moran seeks sheet-pile bulkhead, invasive-plant restoration; commissioners ask for protections and note fishing‑season restriction

Mike Bocelli of Falmouth Engineering and landscape designer Elaine Johnson presented a plan to replace a failing concrete bulkhead at 402 Wild Harbour Road with a vinyl sheet‑pile wall, remove invasives, and plant native species in restored areas.

The proposal calls for driving vibratory sheet piling with helical tiebacks; Bocelli said the design anticipates about 16 feet of penetration into the substrate with a 24‑foot sheet length and only about 0.8 foot of exposed sheeting at the highest point. Access will use an existing lawn entry; applicants plan to protect low dune vegetation with matting and restore any damaged plantings. Johnson outlined invasive removal and a multi‑layer native planting plan (tree canopy, shrubs and understory) to replace several trees removed for equipment access.

Commission staff flagged items the applicant agreed to address at a continued hearing: clearer planting and tree-location labels on the landscape plan, specifics on construction access and matting, and a plan for an unpermitted dog run that staff said must be abandoned and restored. Alyssa, staff reviewer, told the applicant late that same day that the Division of Marine Fisheries had recommended a seasonal restriction, advising work not be done May 1–July 31 to protect horseshoe crabs; Bocelli acknowledged he would expect that recommendation as a permit condition.

Commissioners pressed for clarity about substrate conditions and pile depth: Bocelli said he had not done borings but expected coarse sand with small cobble, and that the piling would be driven to about 16 feet with 24‑foot sheets. Commissioners also asked that large, retained trees be shown on the planting plan and requested installation details for mulch/groundcover. Staff and the applicants agreed to a site visit and to provide revised plans prior to a Feb. 12 continuance.

Why it matters: the work is waterfront hardening and habitat restoration at a privately owned shoreline lot. Conditions the commission may impose — seasonal timing, matting and preconstruction meetings — aim to limit harm to shellfish, horseshoe crabs and nearby salt marsh.

Next steps: the hearing was continued to Feb. 12, 2025 so the applicant can provide revised plans showing tree locations and mitigation details and so staff can coordinate a site visit. The Division of Marine Fisheries timing recommendation will be noted as a likely permit condition.