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Hampton Conservation Commission recommends approval for 960 Ocean Blvd wetland permit after debate over pervious materials
Summary
The commission voted 6-1 to recommend a Town Wetland Permit for work at 960 Ocean Blvd, approving a porch replacement, seawall, and site changes while asking the applicant for clearer pervious-material specifications, maintenance measures and DOT confirmation for right-of-way work.
The Hampton Conservation Commission on May 26 recommended approval of a Town Wetland Permit for 960 Ocean Blvd after discussing plans to replace a porch, add a seawall and reconfigure site access.
Mark West of West Environmental, representing applicant Beach Haven, LLC, described the proposal as keeping the existing structure footprint while replacing a tower-like feature with a porch, adding a vehicle turnaround and a pervious patio, and converting paved surfaces to pervious materials. “The impervious area is proposed to decrease from 45.2% to 40.1%,” West said.
Conservation Coordinator Brianna Hagan told the Commission the related state permit had already been submitted outside the Commission’s 14-day review window, limiting the Commission’s opportunity to review and comment. Hagan also pressed the applicant for written confirmation from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation that right-of-way and driveway changes are acceptable and asked for details showing that bluestone and other proposed materials will meet Town pervious-surface standards.
Commissioners questioned material choices and maintenance. Jay Diener asked why the plan used both pervious pavers and pervious planking; West said the landscape architect proposed both largely for aesthetics. Sharon Raymond and others raised maintenance concerns; Hagan cautioned that “pervious surfaces need to get vacuumed to maintain functionality,” and asked that the plans include maintenance details and anchoring methods in case a revetment is overtopped in a storm.
Katherine Desrochers asked whether existing concrete would remain and whether the proposed seating area would be close to a neighbor; West said he would confirm the concrete’s status. Commissioners also sought confirmation that the public right-of-way would remain open; West said the right-of-way will remain available for access, including for future seawall work, and that DOT had reviewed the work.
After discussion, Pete Tilton moved to recommend approval with the clarification that the Commission wants pervious pavers in the back and updated maintenance manuals/details for the pervious materials; John Croteau seconded. The motion passed 6-1, with Bob Fox voting no.
The Commission’s recommendation requests that the applicant provide maintenance requirements and material details, and obtain DOT confirmation regarding right-of-way and driveway alterations. The recommendation is advisory; any required state permits and final Town administrative approvals remain separate steps.
