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Commission hears restoration plan for degraded Cricket Lane lot; bamboo removal and mitigation planned
Summary
At 13 Cricket Lane, applicants proposed a tear'down and rebuild, an upgraded septic system and a restoration plan focused on mechanical removal of invasive bamboo and replanting. Staff and consultants said the soils and existing debris make the project a substantive improvement; the hearing was closed and taken under advisement.
The commission reviewed a reconstruction and restoration plan for 13 Cricket Lane (Denklia Reber Trust) on Jan. 8. Tim Santos (Merrill Engineers) and consultants from Blue Flax Design described a tear down and rebuild, an upgraded denitrification septic system, invasive species removal (notably bamboo) and mitigation planting.
Theresa (Blue Flax Design) described the site as "probably one of the most degraded sites that we've dealt with in a long time" and said the team plans mechanical excavation of bamboo root masses in areas not disturbed by foundation work, with targeted herbicide treatment for resprouts. She said removing the bulk of bamboo rhizomes by excavation would give better control than herbicide alone. The applicants also plan to relocate an existing shed to increase the setback from coastal bank.
Staff emphasized they must follow regulations regarding any encroachment and that a small corner (about 10 square feet) of the proposed house footprint would sit slightly closer to the resource than the existing structure; staff said that encroachment remains the commission's determination to make.
Outcome: The commission closed the hearing and took the matter under advisement. Commissioners praised the restoration plan overall but requested documentation on where excavated soil and bamboo material will be disposed to avoid spreading invasives to other sites.
Ending: Applicant to provide documentation of off'site disposal for removed bamboo and to confirm root'barrier details and planting densities before the commission issues final conditions.
