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Neighbor concerns over view loss raised as commission reviews house-raise at Namasket Road
Summary
At the Dec. 1 meeting the commission closed the hearing for 51 Namasket Road (raise/reconstruct) and took it under advisement after applicant presentations and neighbor comments citing potential view loss; commissioners urged neighbor–applicant collaboration on plantings.
The commission closed and took under advisement a Notice of Intent for 51 Namasket Road on Dec. 1 after presentations by Capen Islands Engineering and BlueFlax Design and public comment from a neighboring homeowner.
Mark Dibb (Capen Islands Engineering) described plans to raze and reconstruct the existing dwelling, place the new structure on piles to meet velocity-zone standards, and install an innovative-alternative septic (IA) with nitrogen-reduction. BlueFlax’s planting plan includes six native trees, 42 native shrubs and 16 native grasses and calls for invasive-species removal and restoration of previously altered areas.
Neighbor Jim Paquette, who lives across the street from the property, told the commission he supports the applicants but is concerned the house elevation increase (first floor at elevation 22) will reduce second-floor views and potentially affect property value. He asked to collaborate with the applicants to select replacement plantings that preserve lower sightlines while restoring habitat.
Courtney Bird encouraged neighbor–applicant discussion and suggested staff-mediated proposals could be brought back to the commission. The hearing was closed and taken under advisement; commissioners said they will vote at an upcoming meeting after reviewing revised plans and any mitigation measures proposed to address neighbor concerns.
Next step: applicants to submit any revisions requested by staff and follow up with neighbor outreach prior to the next meeting when the commission will vote on conditions.
