HomeMy WebLinkAboutNarrative 4.21.2026NOTICE OF INTENT
0 Great Island Road, West Yarmouth
Project Narrative
The applicant is pleased to submit a Notice of Intent application for the after the fact replacement of a set
of existing beach access stairs. The property borders the south side of Great Island Road between
Nantucket Sound. The site is located within FEMA flood zone VE (el 13). The stairs span a Coastal Dune
and provide access from the road to the beach. The existing set of stairs was in need of repairs and
became unsafe to traverse. The replacement stairs were constructed in the same general footprint as the
existing set. The resource areas are plotted on the enclosed Site Plan by Down Cape Engineering Inc.
A portion of the lot is within Priority/Estimated Habitat of endangered species. A filing with NHESP has
been done and a copy is included with this filing.
Coastal Dune (310 CMR 10.28)
Performance Standards Under State and Local Regulations
The stairway is located within a Coastal Dune.
Because the Dune is presumed significant to storm damage prevention and flood control, the work shall
not have an adverse effect on the Coastal Dune by:
(a) Affecting the ability of waves to remove sand from the dune: The stairway landing varies
between 1-2' above the existing grade and is above the flood zone elevation of 13. In the
event of wave action in this area the waters would be able to move around and through the
stairs and landing.
(b) Disturbing vegetative cover/destabilizing the Dune: The stairs replaced an existing set and
were constructed in the same general footprint. The stairs provide a clear safe path for
pedestrians to access the beach without disturbing additional vegetation.
(c) Causing removal of Dune which would increase potential for storm damage: There was no
removal of dune during construction.
(d) Interfering with movement of the dune: The majority of the stairway within the dune is
elevated above existing grade which will allow movement of the dune under it.
(e) Causing removal of sand: The work did not cause the removal of any sand.
(f) Interfering with bird nesting habitat: The proposed work does lie within priority habitat as
shown on the 2021 Priority/Estimated Habitat Map. An application packet has been filed with
the Mass. Natural Heritage Program for their review.
Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage
The site is affected by a 100-year flood elevation VE EL. 13. The upper landing of the stairs is above the
flood zone elevation, and the structure is anchored to help deter shifting during a storm event.
Page 1 of 1 Down Cape Engineering, Inc.