The Board of Adjustment on Nov. 10 postponed two previously scheduled dock variance matters (C1520250026 and C1520250027) after multiple public speakers and at least one commissioner pressed the applicants for engineering-backed dredge-volume and minimum-dock-length analyses.

For C1520250026 (Redbud Partners — 1750 Channel Road), Michelle Lynch said the request to increase dock length to about 37 feet is driven by shallow upstream conditions and seeks to limit dredging while maintaining navigation safety. Public commentator Bruce Sladen argued applicants’ own submitted diagrams showed a dredge calculation of roughly 16.22 cubic yards and that adding up to 25 cubic yards would allow a materially shorter dock. He urged a licensed professional engineer to certify the minimum required dock length under the board’s precedent.

Board members raised divergent technical calculations in the hearing, noting different outcomes depending on whether dredging was calculated from the bulkhead or from the slip nose. Commissioner Bowen said his independent measurements suggested less than 25 cubic yards for certain options and asked applicants to provide more detailed takeoffs. Applicant representatives said plans were stamped by a licensed engineer and that they were trying to avoid dredging beyond minimal amounts.

Given the technical disagreement, the board voted to postpone both dock items to the Dec. 8 meeting to allow applicants to submit sealed engineering calculations, provide clarified dredge-volume takeoffs, and attempt negotiations with nearby residents.

The board asked staff to assemble the reviewer notes and the specific calculations that formed the basis of staff recommendations so commissioners can review the technical basis before the continuation. The board recorded its postponement motion and roll-call vote; both items were placed on the Dec. 8 agenda.