Select Board approves 59 Dowdy Point wharf; 28 Field Road permit deferred after abutter dispute

The Select Board voted to approve a wharf permit for 59 Dowdy Point after staff and the harbor master reported there was "no hazard to navigation" and no apparent injury to others’ fishing or navigation rights.

The second application, for 28 Field Road (Map 63, Lot 77), prompted extended discussion because the wharf abuts the lot line and the abutter and owner are still negotiating an agreement. The applicant’s representative, Tim Forster of Flycatcher, said the ramp and float are no closer than the existing structure, but several board members said they were not inclined to approve the permit without a written attorney agreement from the abutter. One board member recused from the 28 Field Road discussion because of a conflict.

Select Board members also raised parking and fisheries concerns tied to the Field Road site; an abutter, Matt Mackely, told the board there is no parking at the landing and that the structure will "block the road" and could interfere with fishing. The applicant said the float would allow one vehicle to park and that anchoring changes (helical anchors and shorter chains) would keep gear flat and minimize impacts to fishing gear.

The board recorded one opposition and one abstention on the first permit and proceeded to approve it; action on the Field Road application was deferred pending a letter from counsel or a formal abutter agreement.

Provenance: staff introduced the Dowdy Point application at the WARF items and the Field Road dispute and applicant presentation occurred later in the WARF discussion.