Critical Planning Committee
Bay/Pond Beaches
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Eastham Town Hall
Present; CPC Members – Bob Smith, Joan Sullivan
Volunteers – Ed Sedloch, Joe Mistretta, Loretta Neilsen, Tom Lapham
The minutes of the September 26 minutes were approved.
Loretta reported on the very well attended annual meeting of the Eastham Forum on the previous evening. Robert Hamilton, a coastal engineer from the Woods Hole Group, a firm that is working on beach replenishment projects in several Cape towns, gave a 20 minute presentation on the importance of our bay beaches and possible avenues for dealing with this problem. Beaches, he stated, supply enjoyment for residents and tourists, are the economic basis of the Cape and environmentally represent diverse habitats for fish, shell fish, birds and more. Thus, current erosion problems are not just a concern for beach front property owners, but for the entire town. He went on to outline possible approaches to shoring up the beaches. It takes leadership, he said, grass roots interest and the involvement
of government officials. The program will be rebroadcast on Channel 17.
Joan distributed a copy of a letter sent from the Town Administrator stating that an action plan to improve the entrance of Wiley Park would require funding, and review by the Conservation Commission and the Open Space Committee. We had suggested that the improvement could be made with very little cost by working with the DEP, NRO and the Arboretum Committee. After discussion it was decided that Loretta would suggest the project to the Eastham Forum. Tom Lapham will draw up a plan for the work.
Bob Smith informed us that the Critical Planning Committee will continue to operate with its two sub-committees. Several of the Committee volunteers will apply for membership on the Critical Planning Committee.
Bob Smith reported on a meeting he had attended in Barnstable on the issue of banning cigarettes on all beaches. State law currently bans smoking in public buildings. The ban also includes school grounds. Smoking it was said at the meeting was an issue of public health. “Mirroring”, when adults set an example, is one of the major reasons to issue the ban. Frisbees are banned on many beaches, and this issue it was felt, was more important than not throwing frisbees. We will monitor the Barnstable situation.
Tom Lapham reviewed his meeting with the Town Administrator and the town department heads concerning his proposals for improving Eastham beaches. He felt the response in most cases was very positive. Tom’s suggestions included working with the DPW and the NRO to ensure sufficient sand replenishment, pursuing the possibility of grants for beach studies, encourage more sand deposits in the summer, and contacting ACEC for information and possibly a speaker to interpret the very complex regulations and grants dealing with tidal flats and beaches. A company had recently suggested building a weather station at first encounter. (Joan will research this). The Ocean Management Committee, recently created by the State may have some information on these concerns. The pipe at
Campground should also be extended to alleviate erosion. An additional concern was the dangerous traffic situation at the corner at Campground and Shurtleff Roads because of obstructed viewing. The problem was a question of cutting brush on private property. Can brush be cut on private property? Bob will contact Chief Hedlun on this issue.
Ed Sedloch stated Bob Overton, former president of the EPTRA, had informed him that the Thumpertown stairway construction is to start early in November. The cost is $49,000.
The next meeting of the Committee will be Thursday, December 4th at 10 am at the Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Sullivan
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