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Select Board backs ‘light touch’ upland plan and revetment reconstruction for Haggis Beach
Summary
Following a presentation by Woods Hole Group, the Select Board endorsed lighter upland alternatives (1 and 2) and supported reconstruction/embedding of the existing revetment (stabilization alternative 5), citing safety, preservation of high‑tide beach and community feedback; estimated costs range from mid‑$600,000 to ~$1.2M depending on choices.
The Dennis Select Board on July 14 endorsed a community‑favored approach to stabilize Haggis Beach that combines lighter upland improvements with reconstruction and dune‑embedding of the existing revetment.
Adam Finkel, senior coastal scientist with Woods Hole Group, presented findings from a coastal processes analysis and a set of conceptual alternatives. He said engineers found the existing rock revetment is reaching the end of its serviceable life and that removing it entirely would leave any restored dune vulnerable to rapid erosion during modest storms. “In this location at this time, there's a real case to be made for maintaining more robust shoreline protection,” Finkel said, urging a careful, site‑specific approach that balances access and resilience.
Woods Hole Group proposed a menu of upland options — from minimal interventions (alternative 1) to more substantial recreational improvements (alternative 4) — and multiple shoreline stabilization options. The beach committee recommended pairing a lighter upland alternative (1 or 2) with a stabilization approach that reconstructs the revetment and embeds it consistent with the adjacent parcel. Finkel provided preliminary cost guidance: a light‑touch upland approach with revetment reconstruction likely falls in the mid‑$600,000 up to the low‑$1,000,000 range today, with higher options approaching the mid‑$1.2M range depending on additional stormwater or upland features.
Board members asked about ADA access, vendor spaces, and whether permanent boardwalks or removable MobiMats should be used. Dustin Pinot, Recreation Director, explained the plan emphasizes MobiMat accessibility and minimization of permanent upland infrastructure where practicable. After public questions and committee discussion, the Select Board moved to endorse upland alternatives 1 and 2 and to support stabilization alternative 5; both motions passed unanimously.
Next steps include incorporating public feedback into a preferred alternative, moving toward design and permitting, refining cost estimates during design (estimated 10–15% of project cost), and pursuing funding and grant opportunities.
