AQ Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes
AQUINNAH CONSERVATION COMMISSION (ACC) MINUTES
December 9, 2025
Members Present: Jay Bodnar, Steve Yaffe, Kathy Newman, Sarah Thulin Absent: Mitzi Pratt
Other Present: Reid Silva, Atty. Tim Moriarty, Lukas Kolm, Rebecca Goldberg, Scott Smyers, Atty. Ryan Douglas
Meeting opened at 4 PM.
Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from November 11, 2025, meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Communications Received: Report from Oxbow Associates dated Dec. 5, 2025, Project description from Reid Silva dated Dec. 8, 2025, letter from Nancy Daley and Kevin Cavanaugh dated Dec.9,2025, letter from Atty. Tim Moriarty addressed to PBPRC dated December 5, 2025.
Hearing opened at approx. 4:15 PM. This is a continuation of hearing for a Notice of Intent filed by Stig Leschly to install and maintain an asphalt curb cut, dirt driveway, parking area and to upgrade an existing septic system within the buffer zone of a BVW. Jay Bodnar recused himself from the hearing. He said there could be an appearance of a conflict of interest; his wife represented Mr. Leschly in this real estate transaction. Reid Silva presented an updated plan showing additional details regarding a culvert along Lighthouse Road which has not been maintained, a drainage pit and relocated drainage apron, and a 4’ by 400’ elevated walkway. He reviewed the septic system upgrade and details concerning the curb-cut access. Tim Moriarty, representing the applicant stated that his client is just looking for access to an existing cabin, using the ROW shown on the assessor’s map. The cabin has been on the property for years and has been used by prior owners of the property. Commission members asked Reid about the upgrade of the septic system. Reid stated that the cabin has one bedroom but because of MA State Title 5 rules the system must at least be built to handle 2-bedrooms. The owner does not intend to add a second bedroom. All work on the septic system will be done by hand. Discussion and additional description of the boardwalk and parking lot area occurred. Scott Smyers, Oxbow Associates, an environmental firm representing the abutter reviewed his report in detail. He stated several environmental concerns that he did not feel were properly addressed in the application. He went over page 3 of the Report in detail which included many conditions that he recommends the ACC consider when issuing an Order of Conditions. Commission members stated that they need more time to review all the additional information that they just recently received. Also, the PBPRC is still waiting for the town to provide an attorney to advise them on several zoning issues which could impact the project.
Kathy Newman moved, and Steve Yaffe seconded to continue the hearing to January 13, 2026, at 4 PM. Motion approved. Jay Bodnar abstained.
Hearing opened at approx. 5PM for a Notice of Intent filed by Anthony DaSilva to trim, prune and remove vegetation to create a view channel within the buffer zone of a BVW; Work to take place on property owned by Erika O’Brien, James O’Brien, Jr. and Steven Moskowitz. Site visit took place at 3:15 PM
Steve Yaffe recused himself. Reid Silva reviewed the plan and indicated the areas where the clearing for views would take place. (commission members viewed several different areas during the site visit to gain a perspective on what views the cutting and pruning would enhance) The two main features that the applicant wants to cut, and prune are beetlebung groves on the O’Brien property which the commission has previously indicated they are not in favor of. The commission asked Mr. Silva to convey our concern regarding the proper technique for pruning a beetlebung tree and report back to the commission at our next meeting. The commission does not want any work done in that area of the O’Brien property at this time. Jay Bodnar moved, and Kathy Newman seconded a motion to continue the hearing to January 13, 2026, at 4:30 PM. Motion carried. Steve Yaffe abstained.
The ACC will meet next on January 13, 2026. Motion and second to adjourn meeting at approx. 5:30 PM. Motion passed unanimously.