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Commission approves multiple certificates, denies a tree permit and issues emergency dock removal authorization; enforcement of long‑running fence/dock case to
Summary
At its March 24 meeting the Conservation Commission approved several certificates of compliance and plan changes, denied a tree‑removal permit for lack of tree marking, authorized an emergency certification to remove seasonal docks at 150 Old State Highway, and discussed ongoing enforcement and citation negotiations for the prior owner.
The East Ham Conservation Commission spent much of its March 24 meeting processing certificates, plan changes and enforcement matters: commissioners approved several certificates of compliance, denied a tree‑removal permit for insufficient marking, authorized an emergency dock‑removal certification for 150 Old State Highway and discussed long‑running enforcement actions and court citations against a prior property owner.
Approvals and continuances - Approved: Certificate of compliance for SE19‑1460 (Scott family revetment and stairs) and SE19‑1547 (beach access stairs for Patricia Ryder) with ongoing maintenance conditions. The commission also approved a plan change for SE19‑1853 (John Shehan) and a single‑family landscaping package for the 675 North Sunken Meadow Road project, contingent on final plan updates. - Continued: Several items were continued for additional information or timing: Malloy (25 Bay View Drive) to April 14 for plant survivability details; Scott family house SE19‑1565 to April 28 to allow plant counts; Scott Trust nourishment requests to April 28 for calculations; multiple single‑family and flood/foundation matters were continued to April 14 to provide additional documentation. - Denied: Commissioners denied the permit application for removal of four trees at 175 Eldridge Drive after the applicant repeatedly failed to flag the trees for commissioners’ review.
Emergency dock removal at 150 Old State Highway and enforcement update Staff summarized months of enforcement activity against the prior property owner at 150 Old State Highway, including daily citations for an unpermitted fence and separate citations tied to dock permitting (total citation value cited in staff files was about $30,200). The commission discussed district‑court strategies and the practical settlement ranges raised by the Assistant District Attorney; staff was authorized to pursue negotiation under counsel’s guidance.
Meanwhile, new property owners requested immediate assistance removing damaged seasonal dock components that broke free during winter storms. The commission reviewed a protocol from Ames Marine and an upland storage plan for the dock parts and voted to issue an emergency certification allowing removal of removable dock components and gangways with work to be finished within 30 days.
Why it matters: the meeting shows how local conservation commissions balance routine permit business with high‑priority enforcement and emergency actions. The emergency authorization will permit contractors to secure and remove dock materials that pose navigation and habitat risks this spring.
Next steps: staff will finalize special conditions and OOC language for approved items, continue outreach to applicants for missing calculations or tree‑markings, and proceed with enforcement and potential settlement discussions in district and superior courts.
