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Commission continues hearing on 62 Winona Way deer fence relocation; schedules site visit before June 26
Summary
The commission agreed to continue review of a fence relocation at 62 Winona Way after commissioners raised wildlife connectivity concerns; a field visit was scheduled and the applicant will submit additional materials.
The Nantucket Conservation Commission on Thursday continued review of a proposed relocation of a post-and-wire deer fence at 62 Winona Way and scheduled an on-site inspection before the next hearing date.
Brian Madden of LEC Environmental said the existing fence had been installed by a landscaper without permits and the application proposes relocating the fence to align mostly with the 50‑foot buffer to Tom Nevers Pond. Madden said the relocation would preserve a migratory corridor and consolidate work within the existing developed footprint.
Commissioners expressed concern that a continuous, high fence near the pond could restrict wildlife movement. Commissioner Mike Mizzarelli said he could not support “a full fence like that through the 50‑foot buffer” because it would be restrictive to wildlife. Commissioner John Schaefer and others agreed there were reasonable alternatives and said the application lacked a written alternatives analysis required by Nantucket regulations.
Madden said the encroachments into the 50‑foot buffer were “de minimis” (about 5 to 15 feet in places) and suggested a field visit would help the panel evaluate impacts on habitat and migration pathways. The commission and applicant agreed to arrange a site inspection; staff suggested Tuesday, June 24 as a possible date for a field view and the hearing was continued to June 26 so commissioners would have materials and an on-site review prior to decision.
The commission asked the applicant to supply a clearer alternatives analysis and to coordinate with staff on the on‑site inspection. No permit decision was made at the May 22 meeting.
