Wetlands board approves Mary Barron shoreline project with required mitigation

The Middlesex County Wetlands Board voted to approve Wetlands Application #2025-2352, submitted by Mary Barron, for shoreline work on Fishing Bay at 470 and 471 Stove Point Road. The proposal includes installation of two 48-foot low-profile groins with 16-foot spurs on each side, replacement of an existing 287-foot bulkhead with a new vinyl bulkhead channelward, and addition of a 20-foot spur under a proposed pier within the board's jurisdiction. The application lists Tax Map Parcels 46-4-35/38 and 46-5-37/40/42.

Agent Michelle Meredith represented the project and answered board questions. There were no public comments. Board members discussed mitigation: staff advised that mitigation for the loss would be required as a condition of the permit and that staff would work with the agent on completing the mitigation. The motion to approve the application as submitted was made by Scotty Schafer, seconded by Monica Sanders, and carried unanimously with a three-year time frame. The minutes state the permit will include mitigation for lost wetlands and permit flexibility to allow staff-approved changes to reduce impacts.

Next steps recorded by staff include finalizing the mitigation plan with the applicant and issuing the three-year permit with the stated condition.