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Conservation Commission splits 4-2 on waiving landscape professional for proposed Surfside Terrace seawall; project continued
Summary
The Conservation Commission raised concerns about proposed fill and planting plans for a seawall replacement at 10 Surfside Terrace and voted 4-2 to waive the requirement that the planting plan be prepared by a landscape professional; the application was continued for plan revisions.
The Conservation Commission on March 5, 2026 continued consideration of a proposal to replace and raise a seawall at 10 Surfside Terrace and split 4-2 on whether to waive the requirement that the planting plan be prepared by a landscape professional.
Mark Burgess of Shorefront Consulting presented a revised plan calling for replacement of the seawall and raising grade behind it to about 4.5 feet to reduce yard flooding. The Conservation Agent (CA) and several commissioners questioned the volume of fill, inconsistencies in plan elevations and the choice of plant species. The CA said the property "is at flood elevation 12," and noted that even with the proposed elevation increases the site could still flood in large storms.
An abutter, William Marasco of 84 Pleasant Street, spoke in favor of repairing the seawall but opposed the proposed increase in height, fill and grade changes, arguing that the project could harm neighboring properties and that salt-tolerant native plantings would better protect the riverfront than lawn. Burgess countered that he did not expect the seawall to divert floodwater.
Commissioner Bower and others pointed to inconsistencies in elevation labels on the plan and asked that the applicant provide corrected drawings and better documentation of all revisions. The commission also discussed whether the planting plan—prepared by the applicant's consultant—met the standards tied to the riverfront resource values.
Commissioner Tierney moved to waive the requirement that a licensed landscape professional prepare the planting plan; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Frost and carried 4-2. Separately, Commissioner Bower moved to continue the item to April 12, 2026 for revised plans; that motion carried 6-0. The commission instructed applicants to correct inconsistent elevations, provide structural drawings if the wall will exceed 4 feet, and to prepare a planting plan that favors salt-tolerant natives if a variance is sought.
The hearing will resume on April 12; no final approval or permit was issued at this meeting.
