AQ Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes
AQUINNAH CONSERVATION COMMISSION (ACC) MINUTES
APRIL 28, 2026
Members Present: Kathy Newman, Jay Bodnar, Steve Yaffe, Sarah Thulin Absent: Mitzi Pratt
Others Present: Chris Alley, Reid Silva, Timothy Moriarty, Esq., Stig Leschly, Lukas Kolm, Jennifer Schultz, Esq. , Nancy Daly, Elise LeBovit, Dan Hill, Esq., Josh Dunn.
Meeting opened at 4:15 PM
ACC chose May 26, 2026, at 4 PM for our next ACC meeting.
Motion and second to approve the minutes of our March 17, 2026, meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Communication from Daniel C. Hill, Hill Law firm, representing Matt Pulver and Stefanie Gustafson.
Opened continuation of hearing at 4:20 PM for Stig Leschly, 25 Oxcart Rd, Map 2 Parcel 12. Site Visit at approx. 3:30 PM. This is a review of an NOI under the Mass. Wetlands Protection Act and the Aquinnah Wetlands/Water Resource Bylaw to remove a dwelling and replace it with a single-family home on the approx. existing footprint within the coastal district and buffer zone of a BVW. Chris Alley explained the project and reviewed the site plan. Members discussed the minor change to the footprint and the use of existing pilings or replacement of pilings by hand if needed. The project moves slightly south, further from the coast and dunes. Discussion focused on how the existing house would be demolished emphasizing the need to prevent materials from littering the surrounding priority habitat. Care will be taken to keep the site clear of debris. Motion made and seconded to approve the plan with the following conditions.
- Demolition of house to be done in orderly fashion so debris is immediately removed from the site. No stockpiling on site.
- Erosion control barrier to be installed as shown on Plan MV 8923/10499. (S,B, & H, inc.)
- All piers to be hand excavated or driven helical.
- Final landscape plan to be approved by ACC prior to a Certificate of Compliance.
- Pre-construction site visit with ACC member and contractor prior to work beginning.
Motion carried unanimously.
Opened hearing at 4:40 PM to act on a NOI filed by Edward Minoff and Noa Meyer, 4 Duck Pond Lane, for the construction of a single-family dwelling, restoration of an existing structure, septic system, well, and site work within a Riverfront District and a BVW. Site visit took place at approx. 3:40 PM. Steve Yaffe recused. Entered into the record the letter from NHESP dated Feb. 14, 2024. Chris Alley and Josh Dunn presented the site plan and explained the request for directional boring under the wetland for both water and electric to restore the shack and use as an art studio. Applicant wants to have water to clean paint brushes etc. using an outdoor spigot. Members expressed concern regarding potential harm to the wetland with paint supplies being cleaned and run-off going into wetlands. To walk from one area of the property to the shack an approved design for a boardwalk would need to be included in the plan. Discussion occurred regarding the use of Duck Pond Road for the art studio. Following the commission’s questions the hearing was opened for abutters comments. Elise LeBovit spoke regarding the historical use of the shack and the use of Duck Pond Lane to enter the property. The shack has been abandoned for several years according to abutters. Dan Hill, representing an abutter, Matt Pulver, addressed several points that he included in his letter to the ACC regarding the WPA and the condemnation of the shack.
Motion and second to return to regular order of business. Commission members asked that several questions be addressed regarding possible changes to the plan as shown. A motion was made and seconded to continue the hearing to May 26, 2026, at 4 PM. Motion carried unanimously. Steve Yaffe abstained. Jay Bodnar left the meeting at this time.
Opened continuation of hearing at 5 PM for Stig Leschly, 488 & 494 Lighthouse Road Map 5 Parcels 103 & 107. Reid Silva reviewed the plan for a parking lot and boardwalk in the right of way as shown on Site Plan dated September 17, 2025, and the VLS Project Summary describing the installation of an approx. 65 ft. long elevated boardwalk. Also included in the summary is the description of the access driveway, parking area construction, and septic system upgrade noting the resource area as FEMA Flood Zone AE. This application has been under review since October of 2025. Commission opened the hearing for additional comments. Stig Leschly and Tim Moriarty both spoke concerning the legal issues regarding the use of the right of way for this parcel. Jennifer Schultz and Lucas Kolm addressed various legal reasons why this right of way can’t be used as the applicant has presented. Jennifer stated that there are multiple legal actions taking place at this time. Nancy Daly addressed the wetland resource area that would be altered and filled in if a parking area was constructed; Her concern is also for an isolated vernal pool being negatively impacted. Motion and second to return to regular order of business. Discussion occurred as to whether there could be an alternative plan acceptable to various abutters that would also protect the wetland values being addressed. Motion made and seconded to deny the application under 310 CMR: DEP 10.05 (4). 1. Ask DEP whether the applicant has standing/interest in land that is the subject of a Reviewable Decision. 2. Is there an alternative to a one car parking lot which will minimize the use of truckloads of fill and the removal of trees, shrubs and wetland habitat? ACC has concerns whether wetland values/native habitat can be properly protected in this plan?
Motion to deny application as presented carried unanimously.
Motion and second to adjourn meeting at 5:30 PM Motion passed.