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Applicant for Pier 37 seeks bulkhead and dock upgrades; commission asks for more engineering detail and continues hearing to April 1
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Summary
Merrill Engineers presented plans to replace a bulkhead, remove filled tidelands and expand docks at Pier 37 (110 Scranton Ave). Commissioners requested additional engineering detail on a failing wall and town-engineer review of dewatering controls; the hearing was continued to April 1, 2026.
Tom Pazierski, marine services director for Merrill Engineers and Land Surveyors, outlined a proposal for Pier 37 Inc., at 110 Scranton Ave, to replace and relocate a failing bulkhead, remove a portion of filled tidelands and expand the existing dock system.
Pazierski told the Falmouth Conservation Commission the project would “bring the bulkhead in about 31 feet” and affect roughly “3,300 square feet” of area while using staged dewatering, sheeting and tiebacks to protect the harbor. He described a layered approach to water treatment during dewatering including a frac tank and multiple filtration stages and said the project team will install a new tide gate and additional stormwater treatment measures to reduce runback.
Commission members pressed the applicant for more technical detail on a problematic concrete feature that shows as a “sinkhole” in the plans and for clearer engineering drawings for a particular back wall. One commissioner noted the plans did not show enough detail for the wall opposite the boat ramp and asked whether the town engineer had reviewed the dewatering approach; staff said the town engineer had reviewed the plans but did not provide a written sign-off. Pazierski agreed to add detail and to provide the requested drawings so both engineers can review and confirm plans.
Because commissioners wanted the town engineer to specifically review the wall detail before the commission acts, the applicant requested a continuance. The commission voted to continue the Notice of Intent hearing to April 1, 2026; no final decision on permits or conditions was made at the March 11 meeting.
Why it matters: The work would alter coastal resource areas and involves dewatering and dredge/fill activities that can affect shellfish habitat and shoreline processes. The commission’s request for additional engineering review signals attention to structural and water-quality protections before a permit is issued.
Next steps: The applicant will supply additional wall and dewatering details for review, the town engineer will be asked to comment on the revised materials, and the commission will resume the hearing on April 1, 2026.
