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Commission to install fencing, rescind fine and require restoration after enforcement at 23 Dunes Road
Summary
After an enforcement action for storage and gate installation on dune property at 23 Dunes Road, property representative Bob Harry said fines were paid and the owners asked the commission to rescind a requirement banning the existing pathway; commissioners agreed to prevent further mechanical disturbance, install split‑rail fencing to aid revegetation and to coordinate with the Select Board about public property use.
Bob Harry, speaking for the Dericos (property owners near 23 Dunes Road), addressed an enforcement action alleging storage of boats and installation of a gate on the dune. Harry said the family paid fines, removed offensive items and expressed that a longstanding path to the beach existed for decades. He asked the commission to remove a condition that would ban continued pedestrian use of that path.
Members of the public and conservation staff urged restoration and restrictions on mechanical activities. A staff speaker recommended installing split‑rail fences at both ends of the affected town property and restoring dune vegetation in fall plantings; a public commenter suggested the dune be allowed to recover and be planted with beach grass. Commissioner 5 noted that the town owns that piece of property and emphasized that permission for a private path across town property would require Select Board approval.
Commissioners expressed concern about the past mechanical use and gate installation, calling the prior actions ‘‘egregious’’ in one exchange, and voted to proceed with the staff recommendation: install split‑rail fencing to prevent pedestrian traffic through the damaged dune area and invite coordination with the Select Board to resolve public‑property access questions. The commission indicated they would treat the enforcement action as closed if the applicant files an RDA/as‑built plan showing the current condition and restoration, and noted fines had been paid.
The commission also noted the enforcement record will be updated to reflect current plans and the commission’s expectation that the dune be allowed to revegetate and that mechanical activity will cease.
