The Harwich Conservation Commission on Wednesday reviewed a massive $15 million proposal to transform the Route 28 corridor from the Dennis town line to the Herring River Bridge, a project that aims to modernize both the roadway surface and the infrastructure beneath it. The multi-year plan includes widening the highway to 11-foot lanes with 5-foot shoulders, alongside the installation of ADA-compliant sidewalks on both sides of the street. Tom Courier of MassDOT explained the project’s origins as a safety initiative, stating This project proposes improvements to the Route 28 highway corridor to improve pedestrian and bicycle byways as well as upgrade the storm water infrastructure.

A critical financial component of the roadway project involves coordination with the town’s long-term wastewater goals. DPW Director Link Cooper confirmed that the project budget includes a significant allocation for future-proofing the corridor. The delta is about $2 million, and that's the dry pipe that is going in as part of the sewer project, Cooper told the commission, clarifying that the investment would prevent the need to tear up the new road once sewer expansion reaches West Harwich. While the board generally supported the infrastructure gains, members raised concerns about environmental impacts. Member Wayne Coulson questioned the drainage plan, particularly outfalls leading into the river, and asked, Is that going to happen before they do this or we going to tear it up afterwards? referencing the sewer installation. Motion Made by W. Coulson to continue the Route 28 project down in West Harwich to April 16th. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

Ecological concerns also took center stage as Steve Rhodes of VHB detailed the stormwater upgrades, which will feature deep sump catch basins. Conservation Agent Amy Usowski noted the area qualifies as a Coastal Bank and requested the work limits be staked out. Chair John Ketchum expressed frustration over the removal of mature oaks and cedars without a robust replacement plan. Why are you saying no permanent modifications when you're taking trees out that you're not proposing to replace? Ketchum asked, adding, I would recommend like for like as much as possible. Public sentiment focused on the usability of the new amenities. Resident Patrick urged the commission to ensure the planned infrastructure meets actual needs, stating, I'm going to strongly encourage you to pay special attention to the bike lanes. They need to be authentic. They need to be real and they need to be usable.

The commission also took action on a long-standing water main replacement project for Main Street/Route 28. Bob Drake of GHD presented a favorable report from the Division of Marine Fisheries, noting their letter of recommendation... basically states that they reviewed the plans and they saw no adverse effects to the fisheries in the river. The approval came with strict conditions to prevent frackouts, which Drake defined for Member Sophia Pilling as a leak of bentonite clay solution during directional drilling. Agent Amy recommended the contingency plan to minimize risks to resource areas. Motion Made by W. Coulson to approve the notice of intent for Main Street/Route 28 with added conditions. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

A redevelopment project at 397 Route 28, the site of a former family-owned automotive recycling center, prompted a discussion on land restoration. Select Board Liaison Jeff Handler, appearing as the applicant, noted the property had undergone a 14-month remediation. We are here tonight to begin the first step in activating that property because whatever we choose to do down the road, it's going to require parking, Handler said. Engineer Dave Chrisman described a subsurface stormwater system designed to reduce the runoff from the entire site for all storms. However, Agent Amy questioned a proposed 6-foot stone dust path within the 50-foot no-disturb zone, noting that the local bylaw prohibits new structures in that area. While W. Coulson remarked that the property looks a heck of a lot better than it did when your grandfather Louie had it, resident Jen Raphael reminded the board of the site's sensitivity, noting reports of people hitting golf balls on the vacant lot. Motion Made by W. Coulson to continue the project for 397 Route 28 to April 16th. Motion Passed 5-0-0.

Regulatory language regarding the town's community gardens sparked a debate over chemical use and resident fees. Staff Member Lily and Agent Amy proposed new deadlines for plot maintenance, but board members balked at a proposed ban on synthetic fertilizers. W. Coulson argued that the language felt mandatory rather than encouraging, while J. Ketchum noted, I don't know what synthetic fertilizers means actually. Resident Ernest Crabtree advocated for an exemption for agricultural fertilizers, noting past town discussions focused primarily on lawn runoff. Resident Liz Crabtree highlighted the practical challenges of gardening without certain tools, specifically regarding powdery mildew. Additionally, resident Barbara Wilkey suggested a new revenue stream to offset utility costs: Can you just charge more for out of town like they do for shellfish permits for everywhere else? The commission agreed to redraft the rules to favor organic practices without the rigid synthetic ban before a planned return to the issue on May 7.

In other business, the commission issued a negative determination for 13 Walther Road after Stephanie Sequin of Wilcox and Barton demonstrated that a man-made pond on the property fell below the 3,000-square-foot jurisdictional threshold. Motion Made by W. Coulson to issue a negative determination that the wetland is non-jurisdictional. Motion Passed 5-0-0. A request for beach access stairs at 25 Davis Lane was delayed after Agent Amy and J. Ketchum questioned why the application was filed as an amendment when the work would occur on a neighboring property. Bob Perry, representing the applicant, argued the stairs would allow light to reach the bank for stabilization, but the commission requested formal written permission from the owner of 18 Snow Inn Road. Motion Made by W. Coulson to continue the hearing for 25 Davis Lane to April 16th. Motion Passed 5-0-0. Finally, a maintenance order for 13 Strandway was approved with a new prohibition on fertilizers and pesticides. Motion Made by W. Coulson to approve the order of conditions for 13 Strandway. Motion Passed 4-0-1, with Member Vivienne Mulhall-Maguire abstaining. Agent Amy closed the meeting by noting that piping plovers have returned to Harwich beaches, though she warned of an increase in dead birds due to avian flu.