Concerns over unauthorized construction have emerged following a recent Falmouth Conservation Commission meeting, where members discussed the addition of patios around a newly permitted pool. The pool, initially approved in September 2023, was supposed to be surrounded by grass due to mitigation requirements that limited the installation of hardscapes.

During the meeting, a board member highlighted that the applicant had previously assured the commission that the family understood the necessity of having no patio around the pool, prioritizing the pool's size instead. However, aerial photos from April 2024 revealed that not only was a patio added near the pool, but another was constructed in the designated mitigation area, violating the terms of the original approval.

The board expressed concern over this apparent disregard for the mitigation requirements, which were put in place to restore areas affected by previous projects. The commission is now considering further actions in response to these findings, emphasizing the importance of adhering to environmental regulations designed to protect local ecosystems. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by conservation officials in enforcing compliance and maintaining the integrity of Falmouth's natural resources.