In 2016 an initial study was conducted to examine long-term coastal resiliency conceptual alternatives. Key findings include:

• A predicted 50-year dune erosion line near the back edge of the existing parking lot
• Relocation of Sandy Neck’s infrastructure behind the predicted 50-year dune loss line will reduce risk

Considering this information, the Town of Barnstable examined conceptual alternatives to restore and enhance the site’s long-term coastal and economic resiliency. The technical approach for evaluating the conceptual alternatives included considerations for:

• Flood risk now and over the next 50 years, including the impacts of climate change and increased sea level;
• The capacity of the conceptual alternatives to protect the infrastructure from damages caused by coastal erosion over the next 50 years;
• Improved stormwater management and site use to enhance the user experience.

After consultation with the public, Working Group, and Sandy Neck Board, the Town selected its preferred conceptual alternative as “Full Relocation of the Parking lot with Enhanced Dune” (no changes to the ORV trail). This alternative maintained current public use activities (i.e., access to the beach, location of the ORV trail, public safety, etc.) and avoided and minimized impacts to natural resources to the maximum extent possible.

The Town’s primary goals for this project were to develop a long-term coastal resiliency project that (1) addresses coastal vulnerability to erosion, dune loss, and flooding; (2) is sustainable for at least 50 years; (3) supports current uses of the site that are safe for the public; (4) enhances and protects coastal resources; (5) is economically viable, and (6) is permittable under current environmental regulations.

The proposed project is one of six (6) different alternatives evaluated for the project. The selected alternative, referred to as the Full Relocation of the Parking Lot with an Enhanced Dune and no ORV Trail Relocation project, includes work at four (4) different areas within Sandy Neck Beach Park. These include:

• Upper and lower parking lot
• Entrance to the existing ORV trail
• New gatehouse area approximately 350 ft up the access road from the existing gatehouse
• Existing gatehouse area

A more detailed project description can be found on the project website, here: Sandy Neck Beach ArcGIS StoryMap

Key efforts completed this past year include:

• Local and state permitting
  Completed the 100% design plans and received final permits, including an Order of Conditions from the Barnstable Conservation Commission and approvals for septic modifications, stormwater management, and coordination with the Old King’s Highway Historic District Committee for the gatehouse relocation.
• Conservation management planning
  Developed and finalized a mitigation approach for unavoidable impacts to Eastern Spadefoot Toad habitat in coordination with the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP).
• Bid readiness
  Compiled a full Project Manual and Invitation for Bid (IFB), held a pre-bid meeting at Sandy Neck, responded to contractor questions, and reviewed bids to prepare for contractor selection.

A detailed site history, problem statement, and project overview can be found on the project website here: Sandy Neck Beach ArcGIS StoryMap

Recorded Public Information sessions and commuications materials can be found below:

• Presentation of Long Term Coastal Resiliency Alternative at Sandy Neck Beach Park (01-12-2023)
• Review of Additional Concepts for Long Term Resiliency at Sandy Neck (04-05-2023)
• Review of Preliminary Design for Long Term Resiliency at Sandy Neck (06-22-2023)
• Review of Design for Long Term Resiliency at Sandy Neck (03-14-2024)
• Discover Barnstable Podcast: Sandy Neck Long Term Coastal Resilency Project with Sandy Neck Beach Park Manager, Nina Coleman

Significant coastal storm events in 2017/2018 led to the repeated flooding of Commerce Road and the adjacent residential neighborhoods. During the storm events, Commerce Road was not passable due to storm surge overtopping the roadway at the culvert located between #312 Commerce Road and #383 Commerce Road, limiting access for emergency personnel. As a result, in 2017, the Town retained Woods Hole Group to evaluate the Commerce Road Culvert and other potential solutions. 

2019 Culvert Analysis focused on the question, ‘Could widening the culvert under Commerce Road alleviate flooding on the western portion of Commerce Road?’ — analysis found the answer to be no, however models showed that it could be feasible to raise the road in order to improve emergency access.

Work completed to date includes:

• Retained Tighe & Bond to design and permit the project
• Completed Hydrologic and Hydraulic Assessment
• Completed Geotechnical Investigation and Analysis
• Completed 75% Design Drawings
• Completed 75% Right of Way Drawings
• Identification of private property impacts and easements required
• Types of private property impacts: Permanent (sidewalks, stabilized slopes, utilities, etc.) and Temporary (grading, tree removals, etc.)
• As a result of public outreach and property owner conversations, development of an Alternative Design to reduce impacts to private property

The Town is currently proceeding with the necessary land acquistion/easements needed to finalize design and move foward with permitting the project. 

Project designs, public meeting presentation slides and commuications materials can be found below, organized by date:

• Commerce Road Culvert Hydraulic Assessment Memo
• Draft Project Overview Map (2024)
• Commerce Road Project Revised 75% Right of Way Drawings (01-24-24)
• Commerce Road Project Revised 75% Drawings (01-24-24)
• Commerce Road Private Property Outreach Letter (07-18-24)
• Commerce Road – Neighborhood Outreach Meeting Presentation Slides (08-06-24)
• Commerce Road Project Alternative Design to Reduce Property Impact (11-19-24)