The Cohasset Conservation Commission moved to protect coastal resources while allowing for residential access during its February 26 meeting, granting a variance for a new pier project at 54-60 Beach Street. Gregory Morris of Morris Engineering presented the proposal for a 4-foot wide timber pier, gangway, and 200-square-foot float. To compensate for the removal of four trees by a previous owner within the buffer zone, the commission required the applicant to plant eight new trees, satisfying a 2:1 mitigation ratio. Member W. Ashton scrutinized the materials used in the construction, stating, I prefer to see cedar over pressure-treated just because of the chance of leaching whatever is in the pressure-treated in the water. Agent Charlotte Pectal emphasized protection for the marsh during construction, noting that The contractor shall lay down plywood as necessary in the marsh to minimize foot traffic impact on the marsh while driving the piles.

Motion Made by C. McIntyre to close the public hearing and issue an order of conditions for notice of intent 26-01 at 54-60 Beach Street. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Motion Made by C. McIntyre to issue a variance for the work within the 50-foot buffer zone. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

The commission’s ongoing asphalt pivot—a trend toward limiting impervious surfaces in sensitive areas—stalled a paving request at 88 Don Street. Applicant Adam Norman sought to pave an existing 78,000-square-foot gravel driveway, citing maintenance difficulties. Every spring I have to throw stones back into the driveway, Norman told the board, expressing a willingness to add plantings to mitigate the environmental impact. However, the commission found the initial 517-square-foot planting strip insufficient for the 2:1 mitigation requirement usually triggered by large alterations in the riverfront area. Chair C. McIntyre suggested a more robust approach: If it could be bolstered with more plantings and the riverfront be enhanced that way to really show that the balance of improved plantings versus this alteration is equal, it would be easier for me to approve it personally. The hearing was continued to March 5 to allow for a revised landscaping plan.

In a shift regarding department finances, Agent Pectal informed the board that the Conservation Commission is now being asked to cover its own Town Council legal fees from its departmental budget. Previously, these costs were handled through a general town fund. This fiscal change may impact the commission’s ability to seek legal opinions on complex projects. Pectal also proposed a warrant article for the upcoming Town Meeting to reduce the commission’s size from seven members to five. Seven at a quorum of four is a lot for this board sometimes, Pectal said, noting that a five-member board would only require three members for a quorum, easing administrative hurdles. Secretary K. Berigan was present for the discussion but offered no additional comments beyond procedural affirmations.

The board also addressed an emergency water line rupture at 150 Howard Gleason Road that had disabled the home’s fire suppression system. Agent Pectal had already issued an emergency certification to allow VHB to install a temporary bypass line. Motion Made by C. McIntyre to ratify the emergency certification for 150 Howard Gleason Road. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

At 34 Flint Lock Ridge Road, the commission reviewed a restoration plan for unauthorized fill. While some fill remains in the wetlands, the board discussed a beach area made of sand and gravel that replaced a previous lawn. Vice Chair S. Magnell signaled he was comfortable with the pervious nature of the sand, stating, I’m not as concerned with the stuff that’s in the 50 because it’s all pervious. It’s not any worse than lawn. Motion Made by C. McIntyre to amend the enforcement order for 34 Flint Lock Ridge Road to include authorizing additional plantings in the 50-foot buffer with the approval of a wetlands scientist. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

Finally, the commission opted for manual labor over chemicals to manage invasive Japanese Knotweed at 31-35 Elm Street. Consultant Brad Holmes acknowledged the board’s long-standing skepticism toward foliar spray herbicides. What we've proposed as a modification to the management plan is just ongoing cutting, Holmes said. I don't think we're going to be able to eradicate the knotweed, but I think we can manage it. The board requested three years of annual monitoring reports to ensure the manual cutting and new shade trees successfully suppress the invasive plants. Motion Made by C. McIntyre to administratively approve the vegetation management activities for 31-35 Elm Street. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

Other approvals included a negative determination for a three-season porch at 37 Church Street and a kitchen addition at 40 Beechwood Street. Applicant Gary Stilen noted that for the Beechwood project, The front porch will be new construction with four footings. We always hand-dig our footings. Motion Made by C. McIntyre to issue a negative determination of applicability for 40 Beechwood Street with the condition of agent-approved sedimentation controls. Motion Passed (4-0-0).