Eastham Conservation Commission Tightens Emergency Order for Eroding Coastal Bank House

EASTHAM -- May 26, 2026, Eastham Conservation Commission imposes stricter emergency order on coastal-bank house after owner performs unpermitted work. The commission voted 5-0 Tuesday to amend a May 12 emergency certification for 153 Brownell Road, where a structure sits within five feet of an actively eroding coastal bank, after property owner Rick Hayes carried out partial demolition, shed relocation, and vegetation clearing without the required escrow agreement in place. Conservation Agent Alex Wice reported that a May 18 site inspection revealed unauthorized tree cutting, debris piling, and equipment storage, prompting a stop work order. Attorney Richard "Chip" Nin represented the applicants, while property co-owner Nancy Hayes addressed the commission directly, apologizing and saying "nobody did anything with any ill intent." The amended conditions require an accurate site plan before any permit is issued, a notice of intent filed by June 5 for a June 23 hearing, and an escrow sized to cover town-rate demolition costs through any appeals, with the commission retaining authority to demolish the structure if deadlines are not met. The commission also approved six routine wetland applications, including a Massachusetts DCR notice of intent to replace failing timber retaining walls along the Cape Cod Rail Trail.