Large raise-and-replace project proposed at 43–49 South Street; neighbors ask about culvert, wall and runoff

Lynn Hamlin, representing the applicant, told the Dennis Conservation Commission that the proposal for 43 and 49 South Street in East Dennis includes raising and replacing the existing dwelling, demolishing a shed and fence, constructing an attached and detached garage with an accessory dwelling unit, upgrading the septic to an IA system and building a boulder retaining wall. She said most of the work will be limited to the flood zone.

"The amount of fill is approximately 1,050 cubic yards. 350 of that is for the septic system alone," Hamlin said while walking the board through setbacks from coastal bank and riverfront boundaries and describing swales to keep runoff on site.

Neighbors and residents raised several concerns during public comment. Mary Kurtz said MassDOT has completed a culvert mitigation design for the School Street/Route 6A intersection and asked whether the Commission was aware, and whether the project could affect local drainage. Another neighbor, Lois Katanik, asked whether the changes could push more water toward her property; Hamlin responded that the design maintains runoff on-site and that swales were shown on the plan, adding that enforcement would be available if any off-site discharge occurred.

Eli Whitney asked about the appearance and placement of the proposed boulder retaining wall and raised a concern about an historic stone wall on the property; Hamlin said she would share the plan with the owner and follow up on the location of the stone wall.

Board direction and next steps: Commissioners pressed for planting and runoff details and said staff should draft an order containing a no-discharge condition. The Commission continued the matter to allow staff to prepare permit language for review at a future session.