Resident urges caution on mangrove trimming; engineer says no removal planned and offers timeline

During public comment Diane Kimes of Riverview Drive asked why phase‑2 work began in a south‑to‑north sequence and requested a realistic timeline for when her frequently flooded area would be addressed. She also warned that converting areas from living shorelines back to concrete could conflict with grant provisions and asked that mangroves be trimmed rather than removed.

Town staff responded that timing issues with FEMA’s HMGP approvals and reimbursements altered sequencing: DEP‑funded pieces were ready first, allowing earlier work where DEP had committed funds. Staff said they expect the HMGP approvals to be completed so the town can proceed and estimated the area could begin construction roughly in July and finish in 2027.

Engineer Joe Capra addressed the mangrove concern: "We are not cutting mangrove. We are trimming them. We're trimming them down. No mangrove is being removed. It's just being trimmed. Within the standards." He also explained that riprap in a constructed stilling basin at the Mandalay outfall would be removed from that basin and replaced by a concrete slab to facilitate maintenance; the removed riprap will be reused along the shoreline where appropriate.

The commission took no separate action on the environmental questions at the special meeting but staff said permitting and grant conditions will guide final shoreline work and any vegetation management.