Town of Aquinnah

Aquinnah Planning Board Plan Review Committee Meeting May 14th, 2019
Members Present: Peter Temple, Jim Mahoney, Sarah Thulin, Isaac Taylor, Jim Newman, Berta Welch, Jim Wallen
Not Present: Jo Ann Eccher
Meeting opened at 6:40pm
Peter informed the Committee of a potential tree cutting violation on the Sheriffs Meadow Foundation lot on East Pasture. A special permit had been issued for select trimming of trees on the lot for a view easement for the neighboring lot owned by John McDonald. It appears that over the winter additional trees were trimmed/topped. It appears that 8 trees on the SMF property were topped and 5 trees on the McDonald property were topped, making all of the trees the same height. Peter noted that the topping was done without a permit and is in violation of the Special Permit. In addition, cut vegetation was left on the ground and cutting of one of the trees was done in an unprofessional forestry practice manor. The Committee briefly discussed the avenues of action: ticketing (both SMF and McDonald would be fined), filing a criminal action (this would only apply to McDonald), and filing a civil action (only would be filed against McDonald). Town Counsel is looking at the case and possible options. Peter entertained a motion to recommend that this issue be forwarded onto the Building Inspector for enforcement. Motion was moved by Jim W and seconded by Sarah. The PBPRC voted 7-0, the motion passed.
Peter gave a brief update on the Herskovits property at 10 Deer Path. It appears that the trees were cut prior to the sale of the house. In addition, the property is in a National Heritage and Endangered Species Program area.
With no other business, the meeting adjourned at 6:53pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Sophia Welch
Board Administrative Assistant