Falmouth commission closes hearing on plan to rebuild historic dock and boathouse at 74 Pequassett Ave

Mike Bocelli of Thelmoth Engineering represented the owner of 74 Pequassett Avenue and presented a notice of intent to reconstruct a licensed dock and an on-platform boathouse that dates to the late 1920s. Bocelli said engineers will carefully brace and lift the boathouse onto a barge, rebuild the dock with driven timber pilings (not jetted), and return the boathouse to its original alignment once the platform is rebuilt.

The proposal preserves the existing footprint and width, replaces older piling patterns with 16-foot-on-center timber pilings on the access walkway, and includes typical cross bracing and handrail details. Bocelli said the structure holds a chapter 91 license and provided a vintage photograph to document the historic configuration.

Commission staff flagged shoreline-vegetation concerns based on aerial photos and recommended conditions that would prohibit removal of beach grass and restrict storing boats on vegetated areas. "We do have some concerns with the beach grass — it should be left alone," a staff member said, asking that the order include language protecting those areas. Commissioners asked for construction coordination details, including barge placement and timing to work with tides; Bocelli said the contractor will spud the barge in place and operate at high tide when necessary.

Commissioners also discussed the pier’s historical license and asked staff to include an order condition referencing the chapter 91 documentation. After clarifying items about vegetation protections and construction logistics, Commissioner Gladfelter moved to close the hearing and take the matter under advisement; the motion passed unanimously. The commission did not issue a final permit at the meeting; the record was closed for commission deliberation and condition drafting.