Madison panel approves tiered retaining wall to stabilize eroded frontage at 69 Sound View Avenue

The Madison Planning & Zoning Commission on June 18 approved a coastal site‑plan application to construct a tiered retaining wall and flood‑erosion control structure at 69 Sound View Avenue, citing recent storm damage and consistency findings from state referrals.

David Provincial of Shore Design told the commission the property had experienced significant winter storm erosion that exposed neighbors’ retaining features; the proposed design would match the profile of adjacent properties and extend roughly 80 feet along the shoreline. Provincial said neighbors at 61 and 73 Sound View had provided signed letters of support for the restoration and continuation of the armor stone profile.

Staff reported that the mandatory DEEP referral returned a finding of consistency with the Coastal Management Act and that the town’s floodplain administrator found the proposal consistent with the town’s floodplain ordinance. The commission read a draft resolution approving application 26‑19.69 with conditions requiring the zoning enforcement officer be notified at least 48 hours before work begins, installation and maintenance of erosion‑and‑sedimentation controls prior to and during construction, and a commission review if agency permitting forces plan changes.

The motion to approve was read into the record and adopted; the resolution states no anticipated impacts to coastal resources with the conditions applied. Commissioners emphasized both the need to stabilize the upland area and to retain the existing low profile so wave action is not redirected to neighboring properties.

The approval was granted with conditions and the commission retained the right to review modifications required by other agency permits.