Tempers flare at Saugus I-95 roadbed hearing

SAUGUS – The Saugus Conservation Commission closed the public hearing Wednesday night for the Department of Conservation and Recreation?s proposal to remove sand from the old I-95 roadbed to restore Winthrop Beach, but held off on issuing an order of conditions so attorneys can review the project.Residents in the area have been staunchly opposed to the project because the roadbed has since become a part of the neighborhood used for hiking and wildlife viewing. A Facebook page and petition were also started.The DCR said a marsh restoration project would follow the sand-removal project, however, Brian Donahue, an environmental consultant working for the town, said “there?s not enough salt water to make the salt marsh restoration work.”?It seems to me, the complexity of the salt water is so difficult to imagine right now, that the only thing to imagine is that it can?t work,” he said.Joe Orfant, the Chief of the Bureau of Planning and Resource Protection for the DCR, however, said a request for proposal has gone out for the restoration and noted that that?s not the issue before the commission.Orfant also said the DCR will have a full design process with “lots of opportunity” for input.Environmental attorney George Hailer requested the commission hold off on a decision for another two weeks.?It?s gotten so technical ?” he said. “I need some assurance from DCR, that what your plans are, will make sure there?s no flooding over there.”Orfant said it?s “physically impossible” to create flooding in the area by removing a portion of the roadbed.Conservation Officer Frank McKinnon said the commission has always known about the restoration project, but noted it?s so complicated “it might never be done.”Mary Remer of the DCR said the DCR has deadlines it has to meet for this project and requested the hearing be closed.Later in the meeting, several residents began yelling at Chairman Albert Trifone.?It?s a bait and switch and you know it,” yelled Town Meeting member Peter Manoogian, while resident Dawn Gaffney said this was supposed to be a restoration project.?I will ask you to leave,” said Trifone. “Or I will call for support. Keep calm. There?s no need to lose control ? We?d love to side with the townspeople, but this commission is not set up that way.”Resident Pamela Harris said the commission is “throwing us to the wolves,” and pleaded with Trifone to extend the hearing, but he said he can?t because the applicant requested it be closed.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].