The Nantucket Conservation Commission on July 24 took public testimony on a proposal by West Ashore LLC to relocate an existing fence at 62 Anoma Way and continued the matter to the commission's August 7 meeting so the applicant can consider revisions.

Brian Madden of LEC described the project as relocating the fence to follow the existing lawn edge, noting there are limited areas where the lawn edge and the 50-foot buffer to a bordering vegetated wetland (BVW) overlap by approximately 5 to 8 feet. Madden said the stakes designating the 50-foot buffer were placed and that the walking access to Tom Nevers Pond would be maintained as a migratory corridor.

Commissioners who visited the site expressed differing views. Commissioner Mike Mizzarelli, who attended the site visit, said he was not concerned about fencing around a pool area but suggested that any encroachment into the buffer might require tightening other lawn areas. Commissioner RJ Turcotte said he did not support allowing the fence inside the 50-foot buffer, calling the buffer line “the line we draw.” Commissioner Linda Williams said the fence should be subdued wherever it is placed and questioned whether some locations were actually inside the 50-foot buffer or simply within hedgerow; she expressed concern about tall post caps and the fence's visual effect.

Madden said some places where the applicant proposes the fence are “about 5 feet off of the lawn area, you know, maybe max 8 feet or so,” and argued that a 5–10 foot encroachment would be “de minimis” and not materially affect deer migration given a 90–100 foot corridor to the pond. Commissioners suggested compromises: allowing small encroachments at three tight choke points while steering the fence back to the 50-foot line elsewhere.

After discussion, Madden requested a continuance to August 7 to confer with the owner and return with a compromise. The commission continued the application to the August 7 meeting.