A contentious proposal to install a wireless communications tower within Wheelwright Park faced significant pushback from the Cohasset Conservation Commission on April 2, as members and residents raised alarms over environmental degradation and potential flooding. While the tower site itself sits outside the commission’s jurisdiction, the plan to trench utilities 24 inches deep beneath an intermittent stream and utilize a narrow cart path for heavy construction equipment triggered an intense debate over the project’s impact on the delicate buffer zone.

Art Allen of Ecotech Inc., representing the applicant, attempted to reassure the board that the work would minimize disturbance by following an existing path. The work up at the tower site is outside of the jurisdiction... we're proposing to install underground utilities... trenched under the existing stream culvert, Allen stated, asserting that There'll be no impacts or alterations to the culvert or the stream. Project engineer James Fitel added that the cart path is in good condition, noting, We're not proposing to make it wider... there'd be a crane for setting the tower and concrete trucks.

The commission remained unconvinced. Member William Ashton challenged the technical feasibility of the plan, stating, I don't understand how there could be no impact whatsoever to excavating underneath of a stream. Ashton further pushed for a habitat analysis, citing research on the ecological toll of modern infrastructure. There's pretty significant research that shows non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation has significant effects on plants and animals, Ashton remarked. Select Board member David Farra countered that the stream is often dry as a bone, suggesting the impacts were being overstated. However, Open Space and Recreation Committee member Adam Norman shared local skepticism regarding the path's durability. You'll be highly skeptical that any of this construction equipment can make it in there in the condition that the path is in now, Norman warned.

Public concern also centered on the removal of 49 trees and the subsequent risk of exacerbating local drainage issues. Resident Jean Patterson, who lives at 258 North Main Street, expressed fear that the development would worsen conditions for those at the bottom of the hill. My house flooded twice last spring, Patterson told the commission. My concern is that if we keep disrupting what would protect the runoff water. Given the complexity of the site, the commission opted to delay any decision until after a formal site visit. The hearing for the Wheelwright Park tower was continued to April 16, 2026.

In other business, the commission took swift action against unauthorized construction on the waterfront. Conservation Agent Charlotte Pectal reported an enforcement order and cease-and-desist at 99 Howard Gleason Road following the discovery of an unpermitted dock expansion. It looks like you definitely can see a recent extension of their existing structures... it would have required the filing of a Notice of Intent, Pectal explained. Motion Made by C. McIntyre to ratify the enforcement order for unauthorized expansion and installation of a dock. Motion Passed (5-0-0). The homeowner must now submit a formal filing by early May or face further penalties.

Residential mitigation efforts saw smoother progress at 70 and 74 Black Horse Lane, where applicant Steve Callahan addressed previous board requests for a 4:1 tree replacement ratio. Callahan selected hardy species, including Tupelo and Eastern Red Cedar, to withstand salt spray and wind. We talked about a 2:1 or 4:1 replacement. Brad Holmes' comments were best to keep them tucked as close as we could to the existing vegetated tree areas, Callahan noted. Vice Chair Steven Magnell signaled his satisfaction with the compromise, stating, They've done exactly what we've asked for. Motion Made by C. McIntyre to close the public hearing and issue a negative -2, -3, and -6 determination of applicability with conditions. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Motion Made by C. McIntyre to issue a variance for work within the resource area and 50-foot buffer zone. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

The commission also green-lit a new dog fence for a property at 475 Jerusalem Road. The applicant, identified as Elizabeth, explained the fence would primarily rest atop an existing stone wall to minimize ground disturbance on the coastal bank. It will be installed on top of the wall continuing along the back... just a small portion where the stairs are where the grade meets the lawn, she said. Motion Made by C. McIntyre to close the public hearing and issue a -2, -3, and -6 determination of applicability. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Motion Made by C. McIntyre to issue a variance for work within the coastal bank and land subject to coastal storm flowage. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

Finally, the commission finalized a Certificate of Compliance for 33 Hemlock Way, following a minor correction of the permit number by William Ashton. Agent Pectal confirmed the project, which included a pool and stormwater system, adhered to approved plans despite a tiny three-square-foot increase in impervious area. Motion Made by C. McIntyre to issue a Certificate of Compliance for stormwater permit 24-34. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

During her agent updates, Pectal noted that the town is entering the busy Clover World of plover nesting season at Sandy Beach, where sand fencing has been adjusted to protect the birds from predators. She also signaled that draft revisions to the town’s conservation regulations would be circulating soon, as the department manages a crazy busy spring season of active projects across Atlantic Avenue and King Street.