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Conservation commission issues enforcement orders for two Sandpoint Shores properties after unpermitted clearing and wall work
Summary
The Falmouth Conservation Commission unanimously issued enforcement orders for 53 and 59 Sandpoint Shores Drive to require a restoration plan, slope stabilization and a timeline after staff reported unpermitted clearing and retaining‑wall construction; homeowners’ representative said owners will comply and requested roughly 60 days to complete work.
The Falmouth Conservation Commission on Aug. 28 voted unanimously to issue enforcement orders for two adjacent properties on Sandpoint Shores Drive after staff said unpermitted clearing and the construction of a retaining wall had occurred within the wetland buffer.
Staff member Alyssa told the commission that on-site meetings and an engineering review identified work that requires restoration and slope stabilization, and she recommended closing the hearings and issuing enforcement orders with a date‑certain restoration schedule, a required as‑built plan and defined steps for removing or modifying structures where necessary. "So that's what we are recommending tonight is officially closing both of these, issuing the enforcement orders," Alyssa said.
Roberto Andre, who the record shows attended to assist one of the homeowners, said owners were committed to compliance and asked for time to complete the work. "They said, I think, sir, you need 60 days for her to fix everything," Roberto said. Alyssa and other staff indicated they expect a restoration plan to be submitted and that some tasks (removal of the wall on one property and full property restoration on the neighbor) should proceed concurrently to stabilize the slope and protect the adjacent wetland.
The board then moved to issue a single enforcement order to cover both properties because the commission treats the work as a single, related project. With a motion and second on the table, the commission voted by roll call; the chair noted, "It was unanimous," and the enforcement order was entered into the record.
The enforcement order requires the owners to submit a restoration plan prepared by a restoration or engineering firm and to meet specific milestone dates set by staff; if a date cannot be met, staff said they will work with the owners on an agreed extension. The commission did not list exact deadlines on the public record during the meeting beyond the parties’ discussion about planning and completing work over the next two to three months, and staff said the enforcement order will include specific dates and steps.
The commission took the enforcement hearing out of agenda order to address the Sandpoint Shores matters first and then returned to the regular agenda after issuing the order. The meeting record shows no formal appeal or dispute entered at the time of the vote; staff reported consensus on the recommended approach and the homeowners’ representative signaled cooperation.
Next steps: staff will draft and issue the enforcement order with the required restoration plan content and timelines; the commission will expect compliance and may take further action if milestones are missed.
