Commission presses applicant on 3-foot buffer encroachment at Cricket Lane; hearing continued

The Falmouth Conservation Commission continued review of a Notice of Intent for 13 Cricket Lane on Dec. 1 after staff identified a 3-foot encroachment into the 50-foot no-disturbance buffer and raised concerns about accessory hardscape moving closer to the coastal bank.

Tim Santos of Merrill Engineers presented the project and noted proposed mitigation and restoration, including a Title 5, nitrogen-reducing septic upgrade and more than 3,000 square feet of combined mitigation and restoration plantings. Jenny Goldleaf of BlueFlax Design described invasive-species removal, a rhizome barrier to control bamboo, and a planting palette of native trees and shrubs planned to re-establish a vegetated buffer.

Jennifer (staff) told the commission that current regulations do not allow accessory structures or patios to move closer to the coastal bank than the nearest point of the primary structure. She recommended not allowing the patio under existing rules; commissioners echoed concerns and requested more trees and a revised limit of work that includes a maintenance path. The applicant agreed to revise plans and meet staff on-site; the commission voted to continue the hearing to Jan. 8, 2025.

The commission directed the applicant to: submit revised plans showing the relocated limit of work and additional shrubs/trees; include a rhizome barrier and maintenance path if agreed; and attend a pre-construction site walk. The commission emphasized that a regulation change would be necessary to allow patios closer than the primary structure, and such a change would be considered separately.

Next step: applicant to provide revised plans and attend staff site visit before the Jan. 8 hearing.