HomeMy Public PortalAbout2008 DPW Landing ReportC4445°)'-i
BREWSTER BICENTENNIAL
t-a
Department of Public Works
201 Run Hill Road
Brewster, Massachusetts 02631-1898
Tel (508) 896-3212
Fax (508) 896-4540
Robert L. Bersin, PE, Superintendent
Jeffery Day-Foreman
BREWSTER'S BAYSIDE BEACHES
January 2008
INTRODUCTION
This report has been prepared by the Brewster Department of Public Works (DPW) at the request
of the Brewster Board of Selectmen (BoS). During Board meetings in the Spring of 2007, the
BoS was apprised of various complaints, which included beach cleanup, parking accessibility,
and pedestrian issues along beach roads. The intensity of recent storm events and the erosion
and damage attributed to these events are several additional reasons for this request and
discussion. The damage caused by these events needs to be addressed by the Town and, as such,
the costs associated with storm damage is an important element when discussing the Town's
municipal beach facilities and budgeting needs.
Extending the cost component a step further is the development of management plans as well as
design and implementation of erosion control and storm damage reduction alternatives for these
beaches. Repairs made by DPW forces are numerous and in most instances are stop gap
measures rather than long term improvements. In addition to damage sustained in recent storm
events, this report attempts to identify a multitude of issues related to the beaches as identified by
the-DPW. The-DPW-receives a number of calls during-the year for a-multitude of issues.
Roadway conditions, pedestrian access, requests for signs, persons with disabilities access, and
trash and sanitary problems are some of these issues. Virtually all changes or improvements to
these beaches result in an expenditure of public funds. Ignoring or delaying improvements is
some instances also has a cost component as amenities deteriorate through use and weathering,
the potential for liability claims increase, and the appeal to visit the beaches by our visitors may
diminish
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The beaches that are included in this document are as follows:
1. Crosby Beach
2. Linnell Landing
3. Ellis Landing
4. Point of Rocks Beach
5. Breakwater Beach
6. Breakwater Landing
7. Saints landing
8. Mant's Landing
9. Paines Creek Beach
This report does not identify improvements or costs of potential improvements, but provides a
summary of needs and concerns, as identified by the DPW. In addition to needs and concerns,
various other beach related topics were identified in an attempt to provide a comprehensive
statement of beach issues. These additional items are as follows:
1. Access issues, including beach, pedestrian, vehicular, and handicapped persons,
2. Trash removal, including beach cleanup,
3. Sanitary facilities,
4. Stormwater control and remediation ssues,
5. Permitting issues,
6. Flood and Velocity Zone locations.
These issues are discussed below and, in general, apply to all of our beaches. Following this
general discussion, A summary of each beach is provided and if applicable, specific issues
related to the above items are identified. Other issues, general or specific to a particular beach,
may be identified in future planning efforts and should be added, as necessary, to any actions or
plans developed.
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BREWS I ER'S BAY BEACH ES
One of Brewster's many assets is its Bay Beaches. Brewster's Cape Cod Bay coastline faces
northerly and stretches approximately 7.5 miles from Quivett Creek on its western edge to
Namskaket Creek on the eastern section of town. Ownership of abutting properties varies widely
and ranges from private individual ownership to private corporate ownership to private/public
conservation properties to the public beaches owned by the Town of Brewster. As one would
expect from the adjacent uses, there are many man-made structures along the beach which are
constructed from a variety of materials. Stone jetties, groins, and revetments are located along
the shoreline, which are generally stable, but mechanical sand replenishment is an on going
problem for many of the structures. Many wooden structures have been constructed for access
across the dunes and these structures are vulnerable to the damages caused by storm events.
Remnants of stairways, decks, and the like, lie along the beach and are removed by the DPW
each spring. Sand dunes are truly left to the forces of nature and erode during severe storm
events and are able to replenish in milder periods, although in many cases, not to the extent that
existed prior to an large storm. Littoral drift is generally in an easterly direction as evidenced by
the build up of sand on western sides of jetties and downdrift erosion on eastern sides. In some
instances, the high water mark is significantly different on each side of a jetty.
Protection of our beach resources from the storm events, wave action, and a rising sea level are
accomplished by the installation of revetments, groins, sea walls and, a various other variations
of these core structures. As stated above, many of these structures are in place from previous
attempts to hold back the ocean. "Hard" solutions include the construction of these structures
with stone, concrete, or other durable materials. "Soft" solutions include fiber rolls, mechanical
sand replenishment with beach grass plantings, and the natural rebuilding of dune areas. Soft
solutions are generally the norm in our area and several of these soft structures have been
installed in recent years. None of these structures are recommended in this report as shore
protection-structures should_be designed and built fora specific problem-and desired-outcome. It
is worth noting, however, that many of these structures interfere with natural coastal processes
and that design and installation requires careful planning and in some cases significant
expenditure. Also, the protection afforded one property by these structures generally has an
adverse effect on adjacent properties.
In terms of sea level rise, it has been acknowledged by the scientific community that we are in
fact in a cycle of sea level rise. Several studies by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
indicate the sea level changes in elevation are now being measured in feet rather than inches,
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centimeters, or millimeters. The relationship between sea level rise and Global Warming has
been an interesting topic over the 10-15 years and there are two very vocal sides to the issue,
which generally follow political alignment. Regardless of the cause and effect relationship, the
sea level is rising and historical evidence indicates that the rate of rise has increased more recent
years. Woods Hole has provided historical evidence of a rise of 10-12 inches over the past 100
years. Other studies indicate a rise on the order of 0.5 — 2.0 feet by the year 2100.
Obviously, there is little that the Town of Brewster can do to significantly alter these changes,
regardless of the cause. But the issue is identified in this report as a rising sea will surely
adversely affect the Town. In terms of this report, let it suffice to mention the issue and become
more familiar with the Global Warming concept. Although we are unaware of comparison
photos, we have observed high water marks that sometimes cover the entire beach area. Recent
storms seem to be more intense and more frequent. Is this related or simply the result of the
ongoing Global Warming discussions?
ACCESS ISSUES
Beach Access - In general, the Brewster's Bayside Beaches and associated parking facilities are
adjacent to a variety of man-made structures and/or natural coastal dunes and beach access at
many of the sites is across these structures and/or dunes. In many situations, access causes
damage to beach grass and other vegetation, and the natural reconstruction of the dune/structure
is impeded. An example of this issue is fairly obvious at Crosby Landing. The boardwalk from
the parking area allows for continued growth of adjacent vegetation and dune rebuilding (the
walkway is covered by more than three feet of sand). The worn path across the dune from the
walkway to the sanitary facilities is void of vegetation (see photo below). Interrupting/closing
this pathway or relocating the sanitary facilities will improve dune rebuilding. The beaches
would benefit greatly with improved access control.
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Pedestrian Access — The access roads leading to Brewster's Bayside Beaches are minor
collector roadways in our network. Adjacent properties, in most cases, are fully developed
residential neighborhoods. Small condominium developments are common and other
subdivision roadways gain access from these beach roads. These main roads to our beaches are
generally the only access to these beaches and virtually all of our beaches are accessible by foot,
bicycle, or other pedestrian forms of transportation. However, there are no sidewalk facilities on
any of the access roads and in many locations there is insufficient room along roadway shoulders
for pedestrian activity. Many people, including families, the elderly, and children, have been
observed walking or riding bicycles to our beaches.
Vehicular Access — As described above, all of our beaches are accessible by local roadways, but
our summer tourist season may alter the classification. Regardless of the classification, the
roadways in the summer see a significant increase in use. The department receives many calls
during the summer months for added signage, wider roadways, excessive speed (a subjective
issue), and various other issues.
The width of the traveled way of the access roads varies from 16 — 20 feet and the roadway
layout varies from 24- 40 feet. A paved parking area is available at all bayside beaches and
handicap parking spaces are available, with the exception of Point of Rocks Beach. The
conditions of these roadways are fair to poor and all will require significant repairs in the near
future. A tabular review of these roadways is shown in Appendix A
As mentioned above, these roadways are used in a variety of ways. Pedestrian/bicycle/vehicular
conflicts are common and improved pedestrian facilities may be warranted. Visitors access the
—beaches from the developed properties adjacent_to_and along the access roads. Visitor access is
also common from Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintained amenities such as Nickerson
State Park and the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Travel along some of these roadways for all users is
affected by roadway condition, width, sight distance, and lack of shoulder. In many locations,
private landscaping, wild growth, and topography limit use of the shoulders and vegetation
extends into the roadway, inhibiting sight distance.
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Stormwater control facilities are lacking and in many places, roadway runoff is discharged onto
private property. In some of these locations, current owners are requesting removal of the runoff
from their property. The DPW is currently reviewing proposals for roadway improvements for
three of the beach roads and the work is included in the Town's Capital Plan. Chapter 90 State
Aid Funding will be used for some of this work, but additional funding will be required.
Disabled Person Access — In addition to general access, accessibility facilities related to the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board
(AAB) are limited at our beaches. Crosby Beach and Linnell Landing are the only beaches with
accessible routes to the beach making beach use at other beaches difficult for persons with
disabilities. It should be noted that not only do disabled persons need assistance with access to
our beaches. Brewster and much of the Cape are populated with elderly citizens. Access for
these citizens to beach facilities is vastly improved with the installation of stable walkways. The
Town needs to develop a strategy for expanding or improving ADA and/or AAB facilities.
A complementary solution to the accessibility issue is the use of beach wheel chairs. These wide
wheeled chairs do
not replace the
need to provide
accessible routes
for persons with
disabilities, but
can be used in
conjunction with
other solutions. The photographs to the left are two chairs that meet this need. It is our
understanding that the Council on Aging (COA) has a limited number of similar chairs for use by
the general public. However, it is not clear if the availability is well known. In conjunction with
COA guidelines for beach chair availability, the Town needs to improve advertising the
availability of these chairs.
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SOLID WASTE AND SANITARY FACILITIES
Solid Waste - Common to all the beaches is Trash Removal and Sanitary Facility Services that
are currently provided by the Town. Trash removal, in the form of 96 gallon covered trash
receptacles, are provided through a solid waste hauler, throughout the summer season and on a
lesser scale during the spring and fall shoulder seasons. In some cases, more than one receptacle
is placed and the number of receptacles generally follows the size of the parking area. Contract
trash removal is on a three times per week schedule during peak summer months and on a
reduced schedule at other times of the year. There are no trash accommodations during the
winter season, although trash is regularly removed from the wooden sanitary enclosures
throughout the off season.
Providing trash receptacles may seem to be a necessary service for a resort community such as
Brewster. However, there is another school of thought, which is typical in many state and
federal parks. As many trash receptacles become the repository for household trash, much of it
not recycled (this is not uncommon in Brewster), a pack in/pack out policy has been successful
in many areas. In these locations, visitors bring hash home after their visit to the beach, trail, or
other amenity. Another issue related to trash removal is the presence of wildlife at the beaches.
Seagulls, skunks, raccoons, and the like will use the receptacles as a food source and make a
mess of things in the process, leading to additional service costs for the cleanup. The presence of
wildlife at our beach areas and the ongoing Rabies problem are also important issues. The
financial cost related to trash management may be reduced by eliminating this service. This,
however, is a policy issue and no recommendation is provided in this report.
Sanitary Facilities - Sanitary facilities are also provided on a seasonal basis. So called "porta-
- —potties" are provided_by_the town in a similar_fashion as the_trash_receptacles. _The cleaning_ _ _ _
frequency and number of units are described in the contract and follow the seasonality of our
area. Multiple units are provided at each beach and accessible units are also provided. The
DPW receives many complaints about the condition of these units during the summer months,
with a majority of the complaints pertaining to cleanliness. The units are cleaned three times per
week on a Mon/Wed/Fri schedule, a contract cost is provided for additional cleanings, and
contractual language requires cleaning before 11:00 am, which is generally met. The cleanliness
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of a portable toilet is generally subjective, but a clean unit on Friday morning is more than likely
to be in an unacceptable condition on a Monday morning following a busy weekend in the
summer. A more frequent cleaning schedule should be investigated, which may very well lead
to increased costs for this service.
STORM-WATER CONTROL AND REMEDIATION ISSUES
Untreated stormwater runoff is another important issue related to our beaches. This issue affects
several uses and resources in the beach community. The beaches are used for swimming,
boating, and fishing, while an active aquaculture program has been in place for many years. The
loss of any of these uses or resources would have adverse effects on the Town as well as many of
its residents.
All of our beach roads, not surprisingly, are up gradient from the beaches and or parking areas.
Stormwater runoff from paved surfaces of these roadways and parking areas flows to the wetland
resource areas of our beaches. Beach closures, fishing restrictions, and/or shellfish harvesting
restrictions are possible outcomes if the discharge of untreated stormwater runoff is allowed to
continue. Recent grant work through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental
Protection Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) in the Stony Brook Watershed
(Watershed Assessment Project and Salt Marsh Restoration Project) contains significant
information about this problem and remediation efforts in several areas are in various stages of
development. This grant work can and should be complemented by the design and construction
of stormwater runoff control facilities where warranted in conjunction with any other
improvements.
--PAINIES-CREEK-BEACH
Paines Creek Beach is the western most town owned beach and is located at the end of Paines
Creek Road, approximately V2 mile north of Lower Road. As is typical in many of the beach
access roads, this section of Paines Creek Road is narrow with multiple access points from
residential driveways and small subdivision roads. The area is essentially fully developed with
small single family homes, many of which are seasonal homes. The roadway is narrow, there are
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no sidewalks along any section of Paines Creek Road, and beach access is from a paved parking
area at the end of the road. There are no accessible routes to the beach area.
Paines Creek lies to the west of the roadway and beach area, is tidal, and drains approximately
120 acres of watershed which extends southerly and easterly of the parking area. The creek
winds its way from Cape Cod Bay to the wetland areas south of the bay. The parking area lies
on an exterior curve of the creek and is subject to serious erosion. Over the past 2-1/2 years,
approximately 2 feet of parking area have eroded into Paine's Creek and one parking space was
eliminated to maintain adequate space for maneuvering. This erosion issue is probably the most
important and should be addressed sooner than later. The following photos are indicative of
erosion that has occurred. Note the light brown/tan sand that has been placed by the DPW and
the pieces of asphalt lying along the creek. The DPW cleared all loose asphalt from this area
during the spring of 2007.
A tidal stream (see photo) discharges westerly under the parking area access and into Paine's
Creek. The stream is an outlet of Freeman's Pond and there is historical evidence that culvert
work over the past 10 years has had an effect on water resources in the Lower Road area. There
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are no stormwater control facilities along the roadway or parking area and stormwater
improvements were suggested in the recently completed CZM Assessment of Stony Brook.
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MANT'S LANDING
Mant's Landing is located at the end of Robbins Hill Road off Lower Road in the west section of
town. Robbins Hill Road is narrow with fully developed single family properties. There are
smaller subdivisions off of Robbins Hill Road and an alternate, although inconvenient, access is
through Ambergris Circle, a residential neighborhood. The roadway is lacking adequate
stormwater control facilities and other roadway improvements will be required in a few years. A
more in depth discussion of Robbins Hill Road is included under the Saint's Landing section of
the report.
The landing is a moderately large paved parking area that is fairly secluded with easy access to
the beach. Extensive facilities for persons with disabilities are not required as the beach and
pavement are at the same grade. Beach wheel chairs could easily be used at this beach. The
property to the west is Town-owned conservation property that extends westerly to Paines Creek
Beach. The surface of the parking area is in need of repair and there are no stormwater control
facilities. The protective dune across the seaward side of the parking area is active and the
parking area is usually covered with windblown sand strewn. Jnstallation of snow fencing would
improve the dune replenishment, but will require review and approval from the Brewster
Conservation Commission. A photograph of the parking area and beach access is shown below.
SAINT'S LANDING
The next beach in an easterly direction from Mant's Landing is Saint's Landing. This is another
popular beach with a moderately large parking area. An active dune between the beach and the
paved parking area provides protection to the parking area. The parking area is in need of repair
and does not have stormwater control structures other than a depression in the westerly corner
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that discharges runoff under the dune through a 12" corrugated metal pipe. The pipe outlet is not
at grade and causes considerable erosion of the beach during rainfall events. The depression in
the parking area is a potential trip hazard and temporary protection measures have been taken.
Also, facilities for persons with disabilities are lacking and should be provided.
Access to the parking area is along Robbins Hill Road which connects to Lower Road. Robbins
Hill Road is lacking adequate stormwater control facilities and other roadway improvements will
be required in a few years. Robbins Hill Road is probably in the best condition of all the beach
access roads. The surrounding neighborhood is generally made up of single family homes and
many people have been observed walking to the beach. There are no sidewalk facilities and the
shoulders are narrow and/or obstructed with vegetation and other structures. Sidewalk facilities
should be investigated.
BREAKWATER LANDING
Breakwater landing is located at the end of Breakwater Road and has limited parking facilities.
The landing does not have a formal parking area and visitors are required to park on the side of
the road on a small cul-de-sac. Parking along Breakwater Road is not permitted. One would
suspect that people using this landing walk to the beach from the surrounding homes.
Access to the water is across a small (0.17 ac) parcel of Town owned property with a grade
difference of approximately 15 feet between the pavement and the beach. Facilities for persons
with disabilities are not provided and will be expensive to provide. Financial constraints are
generally a poor reason for not providing these facilities.
BREAKWATER BEACH
Breakwater Beach is located off Breakwater Road approximately '% mile from Route 6A. This
popular beach has the second largest parking area and serves pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular
visitors. Breakwater Road is narrow and winding with limited sight distance. Stormwater
facilities are inadequate and the roadway condition is fair-poor. As such, roadway improvements
will be required. Drainage facilities will be installed and a sidewalk should be investigated.
The beach parking area itself is somewhat protected by a small dune along the northern side
facing the bay. The small dune undergoes dramatic changes with it rebuilding and eroding
regularly to expose large timbers at its base. The dune traps stormwater runoff from the parking
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area preventing the untreated runoff from entering the bay. However, the water elevation
eventually reaches a point where it meets the access to the beach. The result is a significant
erosion problem during larger storm events. The DPW addressed this problem by placing a
small opening in the dune, but was instructed to remove the outlet. As the parking lot is large, a
more extensive solution to the problem is required.
Although formal disabled person access to the beach is not provided, this area may not
necessarily need improved access. The parking area and beach are at approximately the same
elevation making alternative access equipment a reasonable choice. However, as improvements
to the dune and the drainage system are needed accessibility issues should be investigated at that
time.
POINT OF ROCKS BEACH
Point of Rocks Beach is located at the intersection of Point of Rocks Road and Foster Road. A
formal parking area is not provided and visitors park along the sides of the roads and a
landscaped island created at the intersection of these roadways. Fencing and appropriate signage
in the island is identifies parallel parking areas. These parking arrangements were reviewed and
approved by the BoS in the spring of 2007. Facilities for persons with disabilities are not
provided and clearly identified parking spaces for the disabled are not provided. The grade to
the beach access area in the roadway is fairly steep and wheel chair access would be difficult.
This is a good beach location where beach wheel chairs could be used if accessible parking were
provided near the beach. It should be noted that a neighboring business regularly uses some of
the parking facilities for their private vehicles as their property is used to display antiques for
their antique business.
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The beach area is small (1/2 ac +/-) and, as such, extensive parking facilities are not warranted.
The beach area property is abutted by privately owned
property and turf wars about beach usage are not uncommon.
The easterly abutter has placed concrete markers with steel
pipe to designate the end of the public beach. These items are
shown in the photo to the left and are potential trip hazards.
This issue was investigated by the DPW and Mr. Sumner last
summer. The size of the beach, the limited parking, and the
proximity to the many single family residential homes in the
area make non vehicular travel to this beach a good choice for
many people.
The roadways leading from Route 6A to this beach are in fair-
poor condition, without sidewalk facilities or adequate drainage facilities. The current plan is to
improve these roadways, dependant upon funding, after Crosby Lane, Linnet' Landing, and Ellis
Landing Road are improved.
ELLIS LANDING
Ellis Landing is located at the end of Ellis Landing Road easterly of Point of Rocks Beach. The
roadway abutter to the east is a large condominium complex and the westerly use is generally
single family residential. This access road is in poor condition and engineering design proposals
for improvements are currently under review. The roadway lacks adequate drainage facilities
and there is no sidewalk. Many pedestrians use the roadway to get to the beach so sidewalk
facilities should be investigated. The last' mile of the roadway is a long and moderately steep.
During rainfall events, the roadway generates high velocity runoff that ultimately reaches the
beach and erodes the access to the beach. The parking area is of suitable size to accommodate a
large stormwater leaching system.
Current access to the beach is not suited for persons with disabilities and the access provides
vehicular access to several local shell fishermen. This access has been discussed at length as
northeasterly storms cause significant damage. The DPW regularly fills storm created voids with
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stone, construction fabric, and sand — on the order of 4-5 times per year. Photographs of the
problem are depicted below.
More than wood and timber debris is also removed from our beaches. This mammal was left on
the beach after the December 2005 storm.
Long-term improvements will be required to be installed in the next few years. This problem is
an area that needs repairs almost commensurate with Paines Creek beach. Compounding the
problem is the proximity of the bay to the protection structures and the fact that a hard solution
revetment lies to the west. It is reasonable to assume that end side scour from this structure is
partly responsible for damage to the access during storm events.
LINNELL LANDING
Linnell Landing is located at the end of Linnell Landing Road in the eastern section of Town.
Again, the roadway is narrow, without sidewalks and in poor condition. It should be noted that
Cobie's, a grill and ice cream facility is located on Route 6A across from Linnell Landing Road.
Besides being a trip generator for vehicular us; Cobie's draws pedestrians from the Linnell
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Landing Road area reinforcing the need for roadway improvements and potentially sidewalk
facilities. Also generating pedestrian use is the proximity to Nickerson State Park and the Cape
Cod Rail Trail. Access through a private way near Cobie's allows visitors from these two
facilities to access Linnell Landing Road, again reinforcing the need for roadway improvements
and the potential for sidewalk improvements.
Linnell Landing is equipped with a short section of boardwalk that was rebuilt by the depat Intent
last winter. Scrap lumber from various sources were used to rebuild the short "T" shaped
boardwalk. The boardwalk is equipped with a donated park style bench and access to the sand
section of the beach is adequate. It should be noted that a second route to the beach area is
available on the westerly side of the parking area. The dune system in this area may be
improved if this route is closed and the public uses the boardwalk for beach access.
Stormwater control structures are also needed at this landing. As with Ellis Landing Road, the
long and moderately steep grade of the roadway generates high velocity runoff that erodes the
eastern walkway to the beach. The parking area is of suitable size to accommodate a large
stormwater leaching system.
CROSBY BEACH
Crosby Beach is the eastern most Town beach and is located at the end of Crosby Lane. The
beach parking area is the largest (66 total spaces) and most protected parking area and the dune
between the parking area and the beach is active and expanding. As mentioned earlier, this
beach is equipped with an accessible route, but the route requires excessive maintenance. A
temporary solution using a woven synthetic fabric mat (MobiMat) was installed two years ago
and has provided suitable access over the dunes. A photograph of the installation is shown to the
left. This condition of this boardwalk has been
discussed on several occasions in recent months, and
the DPW is currently investigating alternatives. The
problem is the constantly blowing sand that covers and
buries the boardwalk. The boardwalk was constructed
by an Americorps Group several years ago and was
placed through a cut in the dune that fills in with
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blowing sand (it is in an active dune). The limited staff and lack of additional, summer workers
makes clearing this boardwalk by hand a high maintenance problem for the department. In
addition, the boardwalk has splintered boards, is well weathered, and is need of significant
repairs. The current thinking for improvements or replacement is an accessible route constructed
of light weight, removable sections that are placed over the top of the dune. Several potential
solutions are depicted below.
Crosby Lane is also narrow, without sidewalks, and in poor condition. The properties along
Crosby Lane are typical of other beach roads with small single family homes. Crosby Lane is
the worst of all beach roads and the department is currently reviewing proposals for the design of
roadway and drainage improvements. The proposal includes the preparation of plans,
specifications, and construction documents. The design work will go through a public hearing
process and the proposed improvements will be the basis for work long other beach roadways.
Crosby Lane is similar to Linnell Landing Road in that pedestrians from Nickerson State Park
and the Cape Cod Rail Trail have easy access from these facilities to Crosby Lane and the beach.
Again, roadway improvements are needed and sidewalk facilities should be investigated.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations are provided to generate discussions of the issued contained in this report.
This report was generated by the Brewster Department of Public Works and other points of view
are certainly welcome and suggested. Some of the more important issues recommended by this
department are as follows:
a. Stormwater Control Facilities should be investigated and incorporated into long-
term plans for the beach roads and parking areas.
b. Sidewalks should be investigated along the beach access roads from the main
connecting road to the beaches.
c. Roadway improvements are required in the very near future. Design work will be
under way in the next few weeks for the three easterly beach access roads. We
currently receive complaints of excessive speed on the roadways. Once
improved, this problem will be exacerbated.
d. Shorefront protection efforts should be increased. This can be a costly and
difficult issue to contend with, but at some of our beaches, if protection is not
provided, permanent beach damage may occur.
e. The current solid waste and sanitary services should be re-examined. A change in
the solid waste program may provide enough savings to increase the sanitary
services provided.
f. Signage — This department receives a large volume of calls each summer
requesting additional signs for our beach roads. Random placement of traffic
signs leads to sign pollution and, ultimately reduces the impact of the signs. It is
recommended that a standard sign protocol be developed for our beach roads
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Bibliography and Data Sources:
1. Cape Cod Cooperative Extension - Sea Grant — Woods Hole — Report to Brewster
Conservation Commission by Jim O'Connell, Coastal Processes Specialist, January, 2003
2. Paines Creek and Stony Brook Watershed Mitigation Assessment Report, June 2007 —
prepared by Steams & Wheler Brewster Department of Public Works — Partially funded
by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) — Coastal Zone
Management.
3. Presentation Literature presented by Dr. Rob Thiele; USGS entitled "Sea Level Rise:
How Vulnerable is the Cape to this Coastal Threat?" — December 4, 2007 — Waquoit Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve.
4. US Geological Survey fact sheet entitled "Sea Level and Climate Change", date January
2000.
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