Commission asks applicant to move bulkhead landward, reduce dredge volume; continues Packers River lagoon proposal

The Conservation Commission on March 6 pressed the applicant for a proposed bulkhead, ramp, float and small dredge in a Packers River lagoon to move the bulkhead landward of mean high water, reduce dredge volume and provide a clearer planting and disturbance plan before it will consider approval.

Kieran Healy of BSC Group, representing David and Kimberly Tedesco, described a proposal for a reduced float (8-by-12) supported by three piles and a single tie-off pile, cantilevered off a new bulkhead. He also said the filing included a proposed dredge area totaling 75 cubic yards down to a depth of -4.6 feet. Healy noted the site previously received an interim license and earlier larger approvals dating back to 1961–63 dredging.

Commissioners questioned why the proposed bulkhead was being placed seaward of the existing mean high water line rather than landward of it. Chair and commissioners urged moving the wall back to the mean high water line to avoid “taking” additional waterway. Kieran Healy said the location had been chosen to reduce excavation but told the commission, “We don't have a problem if that's what the commission would like” to move the wall landward.

A commissioner proposed moving the wall back about four feet; staff noted such a change would likely reduce the dredge volume below the 100-cubic-yard threshold that triggers additional water-quality review. The applicant agreed to revise plans and provide larger-scale drawings to better show upland disturbance and planting.

Neighbors and navigation concerns

Chris Erickson, a resident on the south side of the finger, told the commission he is not opposed to the project but asked the commission to protect his maneuvering space and to avoid removing stone steps used for emergency egress and pet/dog safety. Kieran Healy said the proposal would not relocate the stones but warned that a new vertical bulkhead could change how those stones function for getting out of the water.

Staff and agency comments

Commission staff said the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) had raised concerns about seawall location and dredging distances from mean low water; DMF recommended dredging be set back further than 25 feet from mean low water and commented on float depth. Waterways had given unanimous approval for the applicant to present to the commission but the commission emphasized local concerns about intertidal loss and neighbor access. The applicant reported Waterways found the proposed location reasonable given long-term presence of structures in the area.

Next steps

The commission voted to continue the hearing to March 20, 2025, and asked the applicant to: - Move the bulkhead landward (commission discussed 4 feet as acceptable), - Submit larger, clearer plan sheets showing upland work, planting and exact disturbance limits, - Provide a combined or separate planting/restoration plan and clearer photographic exhibits, - Clarify proposed dredge handling and disposal plans (where dredge spoil will be placed and offloaded).

Why it matters: The proposed filling behind a bulkhead and dredging in a small man-made lagoon directly affects local navigation, intertidal habitat and neighbors’ boat access; the commission sought to minimize waterway loss and ensure clear mitigation before a decision.

Quote: “We don't have a problem if that's what the commission would like,” Kieran Healy said when asked whether the wall could be moved landward.