Commission continues Penzance Road restoration and boathouse matter to Dec. 4 after questions on sequencing and permits
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Summary
At an extended hearing on the large Wilkinson restoration at 187/191 Penzance Road, commissioners pressed the applicant for a written chronology of work, contractor credentials and herbicide/licensing details for invasive species control; the commission continued the matter to Dec. 4 for written documentation and access permissions.
Owners and consultants for the large Penzance Road property told the Falmouth Conservation Commission on Oct. 30 that they want to implement previously approved Wilkinson ecological restoration plans and renovate a boathouse, but commissioners said they needed clearer documentation before the commission could act.
Consultant Mark Dibb outlined proposed boathouse renovations he described as architectural changes "in the same footprint," a relocated 52‑sq‑ft shed and the relocation of about "640 square feet" of mitigation to a different area on the property. Michael George, the applicant, said two addresses (187 and 191 Penzance Road) are separate structures on the same 10‑acre property and that there is no proposed change of use for the boathouse; he described past work on the boathouse foundation and recent corrective repairs.
Why it matters: Commissioners repeatedly raised sequencing concerns. Fallon/staff photos and site visits show some plant material already on site in the driveway; staff and commissioners said they need a written itemization of what restoration elements were already installed, what remains to be done, which contractor performed the work and proof of herbicide applicator licensing for invasive‑species treatment. Courtney asked specifically for a timeline with signed completion checkpoints so staff can verify compliance as work proceeds.
The applicant said Inman Tree (local firm) and IAM (herbicide contractor) have been engaged and that some cedar plantings and huckleberry sod were placed after nursery delivery; he agreed to submit licenses and a clear sequencing plan. Commissioners also asked for any required ZBA or building‑department permits related to the boathouse roofline changes and for written permissions for contractor access across neighboring driveways to reach the pond area.
Outcome and next steps: The commission continued the hearing to Dec. 4 and asked the applicant to provide: (1) a written chronology of completed and outstanding restoration tasks by planting area; (2) herbicide applicator licensing and confirmation that invasive‑control contractors will follow the Wilkinson plan; (3) written access agreements for any neighbor driveways or unusual equipment; and (4) architectural plans (recently submitted) for commissioner review.