ConsCom Float Hearing Tonight

The Conservation Commission will host a public hearing tonight regarding an application filed by the Recreation and Parks Commission to haul and store seasonal docks, floats and lobster traps at Devereux and Riverhead Beach.

Last week, Conservation Commission member Fred Sullivan dismissed claims that the commission had issued a cease and desist order to prevent locals from hauling in their floats and docks for the season and asserted that the commission's aim is to have the Recreation and Parks Commission "clean up their act."

The public hearing will begin at 7:15 p.m., in the lower-level conference room of the Mary Alley Municipal Building on Widger Road.

"We just want to take a look at how things are being done down there, that's all," Sullivan said.

Harbormaster Webb Russell recently sent a letter to the Board of Selectmen and seeking their support in moving the process along as quickly as possible because a lengthy delay "could be dangerous for everybody who is leaving docks out there."

According to a recently posted agenda, Harbors and Waters Board members will attend the hearing and will "request an Emergency Order allowing for the annual float removal and storage at Riverhead Beach and Devereux Beach."

According to the application, filed with the Conservation Commission by the Recreation and Parks Commission:

Proposed Work Activities Include

• Winter storage of floats, gangways, mooring blocks, boats, trailers and lobster traps and in areas shown on the plan.
• Launching of floats, gangways, and mooring blocks in the spring of each year.
• Retrieval of floats, gangways, and mooring blocks in the fall of each year.
• Repairs and maintenance of floats and gangways in area shown on the plan.
• Construction of new floats, gangways, and mooring blocks in area shown on the plan.
• Installation of a seasonal shelter (ie. Quonset hut) for construction of new floats and maintenance of existing floats.
• Routine maintenance and repairs to existing buildings and structures at Devereux Beach and Riverhead Beach.
• Mowing and trimming activities at Devereux Beach and Riverhead Beach parking areas.
• Routine removal of accumulated sand from concrete boat launching ramp.
• Beach cleaning activities including removal of trash and accumulated sea weed and debris by raking with a York Rake attached to a John Deere Gator model XUV.
• Temporary storage of seaweed and debris cleaned from beaches.
• Routine grading and maintenance of gravel parking areas.
• Seasonal installation of wooden boardwalks, handicap access mat, signs and lifeguard chairs.

A diagram of proposed staging and storage areas in the aforementioned plan is attached as a photograph above.