In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the contentious issue of incorporating a fish ladder into the design of a new dam at Kings Pond. The proposal has faced significant engineering challenges, with the project's engineers asserting that the fish ladder would lead to an unacceptable increase in base flood elevation. Despite ongoing discussions and modeling efforts, the engineers from TPI have not provided sufficient evidence to support the feasibility of the fish ladder, leading to a stalemate.

The commission is now considering closing the hearing and moving forward with the project, despite the potential for an appeal from the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). If the commission approves the project, DMF could initiate an appeal within a ten-day window, complicating the permitting process further. The project is also subject to additional state permits, including those from the Army Corps of Engineers.

In a separate agenda item, the commission addressed an enforcement order related to unauthorized work at 63 Gardner Street. The property owner proposed a restoration plan to mitigate the impact of previous unauthorized activities, which included the removal of invasive species and the planting of native plants. The commission expressed support for the plan but debated the width of a grass pathway that would remain. Ultimately, they agreed to set a deadline of October 1 for the completion of the restoration work, with the understanding that failure to meet this deadline could result in fines.

The meeting highlighted the complexities of environmental regulation and the challenges of balancing development with ecological preservation. As discussions continue, stakeholders remain hopeful for a resolution that satisfies both engineering requirements and environmental concerns.