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Neighbors urge council to block dock at Lone Tree Point; council files substantive objection with CRMC
Summary
Dozens of Earl Drive and Duck Cove residents testified against a proposed dock that would extend 72.5 feet beyond mean low water, citing safety for swimmers, shallow tides, and harm to shellfish beds. After unanimous negative recommendations from local commissions, the council voted to file a substantive objection with the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC).
Dozens of residents from Lone Tree Point, Earl Drive and Duck Cove delivered sustained public comment opposing an application to construct a residential dock at or near 353 Earl Drive. Speakers described long‑standing recreational use of the beach, frequent presence of children and small boats, and local shellfishing and wildlife values. Several residents said the dock would extend into a mooring field and into a shallow area where boats would sit on the bottom at low tide.
Sue Alexander, president of the neighborhood association, said the applicant is seeking a variance to extend 72.5 feet beyond mean low water where the usual standard is 50 feet, and described the proposal as intrusive and a safety hazard for swimmers and kayakers. Multiple witnesses described the area as a “hotbed” for shellfishing and said the dock would harm shellfish beds, salt marsh and horseshoe crabs. A longtime boater warned that propellers and swimmers are a dangerous mix. Others raised the risk that the property could be used as a short‑term rental, making management of users’ behavior difficult.
The Harbor Management Commission and Conservation Commission both provided unanimous recommendations supporting a substantive objection. During the council’s deliberation the president noted those commissions’ unanimous concerns and members agreed. The council voted to file a substantive objection with the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), citing the commissions’ reasons and the town memo describing impacts.
On a separate dock application considered after this item, the Harbor Management and Conservation commissions recommended no substantive objection, and the council approved that application by voice vote.
