Conservation commission continues hearing on Procter Street seasonal ramp after members flag larger impact

The Manchester Conservation Commission on July 21 continued its review of a proposal to install a seasonal ramp and float at 19 Procter Street, saying a recent design change raises the project's impact on tidal mudflats and requires further mitigation calculations.

Evan Gevender of Duros Environmental, representing the Taliaferro homeowners, said the change was recommended by Ramsey Marine to stop the float from sinking into the mud at low tide: "they have recommended that we put skids on the bottom of the standoff... so it'll remain at 32 inches above the mud flat at low tide," Gevender said. Commissioners questioned whether the added skids and the larger footprint would require more mitigation under the town's wetlands bylaw. Chair Steve Gang reminded the group of the local ratios the commission applies: "We're obliged by our local bylaw to require... I think it's a 2 to 1 ratio when your work is in the resource and 1.5 when it's in the immediate buffer zone."

Members requested that the applicant rework the mitigation calculation to include all components (float, gangway, granite pad), confirm the Harbormaster's annual licensing, and explore alternatives such as relocating the ramp anchor closer to the yard or reducing float size to limit impacts. Commissioners also asked for details about how the heavy, 60-foot gangway would be moved seasonally and whether commercial haulers or boats would be needed for removal. With those items outstanding, the commission voted unanimously to continue the hearing to August 11 and asked the applicant to return with mitigation proposals and any supporting photos or engineering details.