Commission continues review of after-the-fact structures and proposed dock at 16 Woodbine Drive

Lynn Hamlin of Hamlin Consulting presented an after-the-fact filing for 16 Woodbine Drive covering decks, a patio, a shed and a rinse station, and described mitigation measures including invasive-species removal and native plantings. Ocean engineer Mark Burgess of Shorefront Consulting presented the proposed dock, explaining the design, alternative prefabricated aluminum sections that can reduce pilings, and his willingness to move stairs onto the beach and rotate the float so no single float exceeds width limits.

Burgess described the dock as meeting performance standards and said it would have approximately three feet of water around the float; he also agreed to provide revised plans showing rotated floats and relocated stairs to reduce path access and encourage natural revegetation. Commissioners pressed on potential turbidity from augering piles in marsh areas and asked that construction notes specify no augering in standing water where turbidity could affect shellfish habitat; Burgess agreed to revise the plan to clarify that augering would not occur in standing water and to supply the revised plan quickly.

Commissioner concerns included the carrying capacity of the river and the long-term cumulative effect of adding docking capacity. The commission also noted a shellfish mitigation fee in the application and said Marine Fisheries (DMF) review was required; the commission voted to continue the matter to June 5 while staff awaits DMF comments and the revised plans.