The town administration has released a draft position statement on erosion management along the Sconset Bluff that the Select Board will consider at its meeting tonight. Most notably, the draft reiterates the Select Board’s intention to work with the Sconset Beach Preservation Fund (SBPF) on a plan to expand the controversial geotube installation at the base of the bluff. Town Manager Libby Gibson said she drafted the document with town real estate specialist Ken Beaugrand and Select Board member Matt Fee. “I think it’s a clarifying statement as to what the Select Board’s position is so everyone is on the same page and can refer people to it if they are asked,” Gibson said.
Read the statement in its entirety below:
Town Goal
To preserve the homes and access to Baxter Road as long as it is not harming others, placing the majority of the costs on those that benefit, while working cooperatively to mitigate the Town’s exposure and provide an equitable framework for other areas of the Island.
Town Concerns
- Our legal obligation to provide access and services
- Maintenance of the existing project during this time of conflict; and, the ability for Town staff to manage the on-going or future projects.
- Legal exposure and costs of the Town’s, including ConCom’s, actions:
3a. Navigating legal quagmire of previous decisions
3b. On-going new litigation
3c. Financial and personnel resource cost of contested takings
3d. Clear definition and enforcement of existing and potential future conditions
- Affordable sand source and delivery for Baxter Road and future town projects
- Long-term protection of Sconset town proper
- Balancing costs of sea level rise with other major capital expenditures (OIH, Senior Center, NPS, etc)
- Continued public access and healthy natural environment
- Providing a model for other areas/neighborhoods going forward
Town Strategy Moving Forward
- Retain existing toe protection
1a. Start planning as detailed in the Arcadis report to be ready for roadway relocation(s) with established triggers - Obtain commitment from SBPF to resolve outstanding enforcement issues; and, to add sand before winter
- Develop the criteria to apply for joint NOI for phased expansion
- First phase: small south expansion with clear failure criteria and alternative access
- Fund/initiate a study for sediment transfer, source/delivery
- Second phase predicated upon offshore sand source and slurry delivery; creation of Coastal Resiliency Benefit District; hold harmless for Town including voluntary easements for roads, utilities and takings
- No neighborhood objection or threats to road abandonments; with result of no harm to others
- Public access to Sankaty Lighthouse, beach and bluff walk to remain in all future plans
- Institute homeowner best practices
- Clear, enforceable criteria trigger road relocation and next phases
- Avoid endless wrangling. Spend Town and citizen time and resources wisely.
