Conservationists consider several island projects
By Dotti Farrington

Conservation Commission members reviewed, at their Sept. 20 meeting, several town matters, including the newly approved Taylor Point location for a town barn and the relatively new talks about zoning changes to promote more development and wind energy. Commisioners indicated they need more information before taking positions.

They also heard about proposals for farm development at Beavertail; for additions to the commission's osprey viewing area; for Hull Cove trail improvement as an Eagle Scout project; and for distribution for the commission's new island trail guide. They postponed until their next meeting, on Oct. 9, further discussion about their review of the Fort Getty park development plans; a new project on invasive plants; and study of the proliferation of docks.

On the town barn plans, Town Administrator Bruce Keiser briefed the commission on options for drainage, the primary concern of the commission on the site. Commission Chairman Christopher Powell noted the commission opposed previous plans for a different section of Taylor Point because of plans then to run drainage into Potters Cove where it would lower the quality of bay water and would impact one or more endangered plant species.

Keiser told commissioners the town is still studying options for drainage that will need special permits geared to protect the bay. He said detailed engineering was started only in mid-September on the drainage possibilities.

Keiser also reviewed aesthetic considerations, also of special concern to the conservationists. He said the barn roof would be a green color, and commissioners asked about use of the technique to create a plant roof as a "green" environmental option. Powell said he knew of federal grants for such projects. Keiser assured they would be explored. He said the town will conduct a cost benefit study about type of shingles to be used on the barn structure. He also emphasized that the town would enforce strict policies about indoor storage at the new barn of all equipment now scattered outdoors because of insufficient storage options.

Beavertail farm

Both Keiser and former town administration Robert Sutton spoke about the efforts to restore 23 acres of Jim Procaccianti's Beavertail property for agricultural uses, possibly a vineyard. An early effort included mowing and caused a violation on coastal land, because of a misunderstanding, according to Sutton, and the area is being restored to pre-violation condition.

The violation drew a strong rebuke from the town, and Procaccianti is trying to regain credibility, according to Sutton. Sutton is a strong supporter of agricultural efforts and he said he wants to promote the Beavertail venture if it is done properly.

He detailed the history of the land, including its original use as a farm and as a golf course in the 1920s. He said the golf use included a system of dams, which may be restored, along a stream. Commissioners said they were concerned about the "loose" rules for wetland protection under agricultural regulations and would want assurances about the owner's intent before they would give any encouragement to the farm effort.

Zoning

Abby Anthony, on behalf of the Wind Energy Committee, asked conservationists for support of a proposal to amend zoning on open space areas to allow wind turbines. Powell said he hoped town colleagues for planning and zoning would consult the Conservation Commission, which has been a major force in establishing open space zoning. Commissioners indicated they would prefer decisions on a case-by-case basis rather than change the zoning in general to accommodate windmills. Discussion at future meetings was expected.

Commissioners also reviewed preliminary information becoming available via consultants for the town's work on a revised comprehensive plan of development. The conservationists indicated they are leery of the goals indicated in early talks with town officials. Consultants were talking about concepts of urban development, increasing density and using such long-established ideas as cluster housing.