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City‑led FEMA buyout: conservation commission approves demolition and dune restoration plan at 9 75th Street with conditions
Summary
The commission approved an order of conditions for the City of Newburyport’s FEMA-funded demolition of a house at 9 75th Street and restoration with American beach grass; conditions include debris management, two‑year vegetation survival monitoring, temporary protective fencing during planting and a deed restriction consistent with FEMA requirements.
City staff presented an NOI for the demolition of a FEMA‑acquired house at 9 75th Street and restoration of the footprint with American beach grass under a FEMA buyout program. Staff described a short demolition window and a plan to restore the lot to dune habitat using compatible sand and a 12‑inch on‑center dune grass spacing for plantings.
Commissioners explored several items: debris management and immediate truck‑offsite removal of demolition material, soil compatibility and certification for any imported sand, temporary protection of the planted area (e.g., snow fencing) while plants establish, two‑year monitoring for planting survival and confirmation that the deed restriction required by FEMA will be recorded. City staff said the deed restriction is already recorded as a condition of the grant and that the city will provide copies to the commission; they also agreed that any future proposal for formal public access through the parcel would require a separate RDA/NOI.
The commission voted by roll call to close the public hearing and issue an order of conditions that included the recommended special conditions (debris control, erosion/sediment controls, temporary protective fencing during plant establishment, two‑year vegetation monitoring and a reference to the recorded FEMA deed restriction). Commissioners and staff also discussed contractor selection for dune planting and the need for a bill of lading or supplier documentation for any imported sand.
