The Cohasset Conservation Commission, led by Chair Chris McIntyre, held a lengthy public meeting via Zoom on Jan. 8, 2026, addressing a full slate of residential development proposals, hearing an important update on harbor health, and closing several permits. The commission navigated complex discussions on stormwater management and wetland buffer zones, with several projects sparking significant debate.

The commission approved plans for two new homes with specific conditions. A proposal at 259 Atlantic Avenue was approved after the applicant agreed to move infiltration systems further out of the coastal bank buffer zone. Homeowner Susan Davis also clarified her intent for an existing sports court, stating, “We're going to leave the tennis court as it is.” A motion to issue an order of conditions for the project passed 5-0. The commission also greenlit a project to raze and rebuild a home at 53 Beachwood Street, with Member William Ashton praising the applicant’s responsiveness. “You met everything everyone asked for. So supportive of it,” Ashton said. The commission voted 5-0 to approve an order of conditions and passed a second motion 5-0 to issue a variance for work within a 25-foot wetland buffer.

Other projects proved more contentious and were continued. A proposal for 159 Atlantic Avenue, which includes building a new home partially within the 50-foot wetland buffer, drew questions about pre-hearing tree removal. The project at 40 and 46 Pond Street also faced pushback. Vice Chair Steven Magnell expressed his opposition, stating, “My objection from the beginning has been… building in the buffer.” A debate on the value of different wetlands ensued, with Member Tom Bell arguing, “Who are we to say that one wetland is better than another?” A motion to approve the Pond Street project failed to get a second. Secretary Kathy Berigan was present for all matters.

A highlight of the evening was a presentation from the Center for Student Coastal Research (CSCR). Led by Susan Bryant, students Henry, Amelia, and Julia shared alarming data on the near-total disappearance of eelgrass in Cohasset Harbor. “Prior to 2021, students had mapped over 80 beds of eelgrass. But then only a year later in 2022, the eelgrass seemed to have completely disappeared,” Henry explained. The team detailed their ongoing research to understand the cause and their hopes for future restoration.

Before adjourning, the commission issued Certificates of Compliance for completed work at 31-35 Elm Street, 34 Rocky Lane, 356 Atlantic Avenue, and 6 Deep Run.