AQ Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes 1.13.26
AQUINNAH CONSERVATION COMMISSION (ACC) MINUTES
January 13, 2026
Members Present: Steve YaGe, Kathy Newman, Sarah Thulin Absent: Mitzi Pratt, Jay Bodnar
Others Present: Reid Silva, Todd VanderHoop, JeG Day, Rebecca Goldberd, Nancy Daly, Tim Moriarty, Lang Gerhard, Spa Tharp, Heikke Soikkeli, James Walters, James MoGatt
Meeting opened at 4 PM
Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from December 9th meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Communications Received: Letter from Ryan Douglas, Rubin & Rudman Law Firm, dated January 12th, 2026, and included report from Oxbow Associates.
Opened continuation of hearing at 4:10 PM for an NOI filed by Anthony DaSilva to trim, prune, and remove vegetation to create a view channel within the buGer zone of a bordering vegetated wetland. Work to be done oG Moshup Trail on O’Brien property. Steve YaGe recused.
Todd VanderHoop, who will be doing the tree work, explained the technique he will use to trim and prune the Beetlebung trees,( the only work to be done at this time). The main canopy of trees will be maintained while an area below will be trimmed to allow for view channel through the middle of the trees. Any future work on this project must return to the ACC for approval. All debris from the pruning process must be cleaned up and removed from the property. Motion and second to approve the work described. Motion passed.
Steve YaGe abstained.
Opened hearing at 4:20 PM for a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah Natural Resources Dept. for the stabilization of approx. 150 feet of coastal beach dunes near the Lobsterville culvert and for the hand removal of invasive plant species along areas of West Basin Road within coastal resource areas. Site visit at 3 PM. Steve YaGe recused.
JeG Day explained the work which will take place near the culvert where erosion has been removing areas of sand. Christmas trees will be staked into the sand for approx. 50 feet and a snow fence erected on the water side of the trees. In the early spring beach grass will be planted as sand builds into new dune. All removal of invasive Spotted Knap Weed along West Basin Road areas of Tribal dunes will be done by hand. Commission members complimented the work which has been ongoing and is stabilizing and building the sand
dunes along Lobsterville Road. Motion and second to approve a negative determination. Motion passed. Steve YaGe abstained.
Opened hearing at 4:35 PM to act on an NOI filed by Lang Gerhard, 11 East Pasture Way, to construct and maintain an addition to an existing dwelling under the ADU law, septic tie-in, utilities, and associated landscaping within the coastal district and buGer zone of a BVW.
Site visit at 3:30 PM. Steve YaGe recused.
Lang Gerhard explained the reason for his request to increase the size of his stone cottage, which will be under 800 square feet upon completion. Currently there is no plumbing or bedroom in the small space which is taken up primarily by a large stone fireplace. He would like to provide one bedroom and a bathroom to make a livable space. Waddles and snow fencing will be installed for erosion control (as shown on plan) along the work site which is located within 50 feet of the coastal bank. There will be a crawl space, and the septic will be tied into an existing leaching field. Motion and second to approve the plan with the following conditions:
- No stockpiling in area of stone cottage.
- Erosion control (waddles and snow fencing) to be in place prior to work beginning.
- Pre-construction meeting with contractor and member of ACC at least 48 hours prior to work beginning.
- Any dumpster or construction equipment must be stored in an area hidden from view from Menemsha Pond.
- Any demolition material must be trucked oG-site and properly disposed of. Motion carried. Steve YaGe abstained.
Opened hearing at approx. 5 PM to act on an NOI filed by Gilman Anderson and Winifred Amaturo, 3 Oxcart Road, to remove an existing dwelling and construct a new dwelling, ADU, septic tie-in and associated landscaping within a coastal resource area and buGer zone of a BVW. Site visit at 3:15 PM
Reid Silva and James MoGatt explained the project and answered questions regarding new footprint which includes areas of dune and existing vegetation. The entire building envelope is surrounded by NHESP habitat and is in the flood zone. The proposed ADU and parking area is within 85 feet of the BVW. Questions arose regarding the ADU location and when this will be reviewed by the PBPRC and BOH. A narrative describing how this house will be built: Sono tubes with break out walls or concrete piers? A further description should also include analysis of flood zone and protections from flooding. A motion and second to continue hearing to February 17th, 2026, at approx. 4 PM. Motion carried.
Opened continuation of hearing at 5:15 PM for an NOI filed by Stig Leschly, 488 & 494 Lighthouse Road to install and maintain an asphalt curb cut, dirt driveway, parking area, and upgrade an existing septic system within the buGer zone of a BVW.
After discussion with Reid Silva and Tim Moriarty (representing Mr. Leschly) and ACC members, it was decided that this application should be readvertised and notice to abutters sent to include the revised plan which includes a boardwalk, approximately 300 ft, proposed to be built from parking area oG Lighthouse Road through the ROW to the existing property of Mr. Leschly. The original plan and notice to abutters did not include the boardwalk. Nancy Daly and Rebecca Goldberg, abutters, both voiced concern regarding the parking area and the loss of habitat. They voiced opposition to the project. A motion and second to continue the hearing to February 17th, 2026. Motion carried.
Motion and second to adjourn meeting at approx. 5:35 PM. Motion carried.