Nantucket Conservation Commission approves multiple orders of conditions; Mayflower shed excluded

The Nantucket Conservation Commission on March 5 voted to approve several orders of conditions for permit filings across the island, adding monitoring and native-planting conditions and, in one case, explicitly excluding a proposed shed from the approved order.

Key votes and outcomes

- 53 Wenoma Way (SE483970): The commission approved an order allowing construction of beach stairs within a coastal bank with standard conditions; the hearing was closed and the order approved unanimously.

- 94 Hulbert Ave / Harborview LLC (SE483957): Applicant David Hanes presented revised plans that increased vegetated buffers and proposed native plantings as mitigation. The commission granted a waiver under the Nantucket wetlands regulations (no reasonable alternative/"A" waiver) and approved the order of conditions with monitoring, native-planting requirements and annual reporting. The roll call showed six votes in the affirmative with one opposing vote recorded on the waiver vote.

- 74 Monomoy Road / Mayflower Crescent LLC (SE483967): Paul Santos presented a redevelopment/raise-and-rebuild proposal. After commissioners expressed concern about a proposed shed that would constitute new structure in a no-build area, the applicant agreed to remove the shed from the present filing. The commission approved the order with a finding that the shed is not permitted under the current order and required an updated plan of record with the shed removed.

- 275 Pulpus Road / CBM Pulpus Trust (SE483969): Brian Madden presented upgrades including a guest house outside the 100-foot buffer and septic improvements that extend into 75-to-100-foot buffer areas; Commissioner Williams recused from this matter. The commission found the proposed replanting and removal of structural elements will result in a long-term net benefit and approved the order with monitoring conditions.

- 39 Monomoy Road / 39 Monomoy Trust (SE483968): The commission approved an invasive-species management and buffer-zone restoration order, allowing selective herbicide use by licensed applicator for invasive control and requiring annual monitoring reports; commissioners added an explicit condition that deer fencing is not permitted under this order.

Conditions and common requirements

Approved orders commonly included: no fertilizer or agricultural chemicals within commission jurisdiction, native species only for plantings (no cultivars), annual monitoring reports with photographs on the anniversary of the order until a certificate of compliance, and quantitative triggers requiring supplemental plantings if less than 50% regrowth is observed within 2 years and 6 months.

Recusals and votes

Commissioner Linda Williams recused as noted on a pair of applications that had potential conflicts; most matters passed by roll call vote with the majority present. One waiver vote on Harborview recorded one opposing vote; other approvals carried among members sitting (usually 6 in the affirmative with one recusal or absence noted).

What this means

The series of approvals advances several private redevelopment, restoration and invasive-management projects across Nantucket shoreline and buffer areas, while the commission tightened conditions to require native plantings, monitoring and reporting. The Mayflower Crescent shed will have to be pursued separately or as a later amendment if the applicant seeks permission in the future.