HomeMy WebLinkAboutRevised Narrative 4.23.2026NOTICE 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)
Pen`ormance 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 anrl
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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.
Page 1 of 2 Down Cape Engineering, Inc.
Land Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage including the Velocity Zone and MOWA
The site is affected by a 100-year flood elevation VC: EL. 13 and Moderate Wave Action Area. The upper
landing of the stairs is approximately 1' above the flood zone elevation of 13. The stairs are not a new
structure as they replaced a previous set of stairs and were constructed in the same general footprint. No
expansion of the existing structure took place, and no fill was brought in during construction. While the
stairs are not a building, we would respectfully ask for a waiver in the event the Commission thinks it is
necessary in order to leave the landing of the stairs below the design flood elevation of 15. The stairs
were constructed to allow safe passage over the dune, and it was constructed to be low profile in order to
limit the number of steps required. As it stands, the landing is approximately V above the base flood
elevation. The stairs will not significantly redirect or channelize any flood waters. In the event of a major
storm, floodwaters would be able to flow through and around the structure given the nature of its
construction. The stairs represent a small fraction of large site and we feel they are an improvement over
the previous structure.
Page 2 of 2 Down Cape Engineering, Inc.