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Applicant narrows Whistler Lane vista, proposes selective tree removal and plantings; hearing continued
Summary
BlueFlax Design presented a revised plan for 36 Whistler Lane (South Dennis) that reduces tree removals, keeps a narrowed vista corridor, proposes removing a leaning pitch pine near a scarped coastal bank, and adds native plantings to stabilize the scarp. The commission continued the hearing and asked staff to draft the Order.
At the June 25 meeting, the Conservation Commission reviewed a revised plan for a proposed driveway expansion and vegetation management at 36 Whistler Lane in South Dennis and voted to continue the hearing while staff prepares an Order of Conditions.
Theresa Sprague of BlueFlax Design said the revised plan reduces the number of pine trees to be removed and retains several trees found to be structurally sound. She described a leaning pitch pine near a scarped section of the coastal bank that her office’s report characterized as exhibiting woodpecker and sapsucker damage, exposed roots and structural weakness; she said the tree represented a risk of falling and could exacerbate bank failure. Sprague proposed removing that tree, reducing the vista corridor to about three percent of the property's waterfront frontage, and installing additional plantings (black huckleberry and switchgrass) above and within the scarp to improve root stabilization. She acknowledged the scarp could not be fully corrected without a larger bank stabilization project.
Commissioner Lombardi said he remained concerned about removal of the pitch pine but otherwise was satisfied with the revisions. There was no public comment. Commissioner Chamberlain moved to continue the hearing and direct staff to draft the Order of Conditions; the motion passed 4-0-0.
The commission will review the draft Order at its next meeting, at which time any remaining concerns about tree removal and scarp management will be formalized in permit conditions if the hearing proceeds to issuance.
