Conservation Commission Defers 48 Central Street Harbor Hardscape Vote, Cites Gas Line and Historic Review

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — February 3, 2026 — Manchester conservation panel continues contested inner harbor hardscape application for second time. The Manchester-by-the-Sea Conservation Commission voted unanimously at its February 3 virtual meeting to continue the Notice of Intent for 48 Central Street — where applicant Richard Bedell proposes a bluestone patio, pergola, and gas fire table within the no-build zone along the inner harbor — to February 24, directing the applicant's team to obtain Historic District Commission review of the pergola design and provide additional information on a proposed underground gas line. Commission member Jim Hoffman argued the gas line "adds to it and tilts it against" approval, while Chair Steve Gang noted he could not recall a comparable gas installation into a floodplain in 15 years on the commission; the panel tentatively discussed requiring a winter shutoff valve at the house as a possible condition. Four abutters spoke in opposition, citing video evidence of regular tidal flooding on the site. Separately, the commission unanimously issued a certificate of compliance to Michael Kirk of 37 Vine Street for a completed pool and native-planting project, and granted a one-year extension of the order of conditions for Cornerstone Church at 189 School Street.