The Demolition Review Committee met on August 31, 2026, at Rye Town Hall. Present were David Choate, Elizabeth Sanborn, Frank Lagana, and Jenn Madden. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously, with E. Sanborn moving, F. Lagana seconding, and J. Madden abstaining. The committee reviewed two demolition applications. E. Sanborn moved that the house at 55 Myrica Avenue is not historically or architecturally significant, and its demolition would not harm the neighborhood. F. Lagana seconded. Despite J. Madden noting historical significance, the motion passed unanimously. For 44-A Mountain View Terrace, E. Sanborn moved the house is not significant. Owner Jim Carnevale confirmed demolition due to asbestos, with plans for a one-story ranch replacement compatible with the neighborhood. D. Choate seconded, and the permit was approved unanimously. D. Choate will notify the Building Inspector and submit Notices of Decision. E. Sanborn moved to adjourn, seconded by F. Lagana, approved unanimously.
Source: https://www.ryenh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08312026-746
The Rye Zoning Board of Adjustment approved minutes from June, July, and August. The Board approved variance requests for Stephen Walsh (16 Pine St.) and Joseph Bezanson (1359 Ocean Blvd.), both passing 5-0. Robert and Brenda Dale received a one-year extension on their variance, now valid until September 6, 2027. Several applications were continued: Chad S. Fitton (1278-1280 Ocean Blvd.) and an Administrative Appeal by Renee Manganaro-Enright (155 Cable Rd) were moved to October 7, 2026. Michael Garrepy's application (110 Brackett Rd.) was continued to November 4, 2026, pending a stormwater management plan submission. Applications for Terragni Trust and Michael & Jennifer Blanchard were also moved to October 7, 2026.
Source: https://www.ryenh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09022026-750
Susan Shepcaro, Mary-Ann Sullivan, John Shaw, and Selectboard Rep Suzanne Barton attended.
Enforcement actions for the Pump-Out Ordinance were discussed. Chair Shepcaro noted requested legal letters to non-compliant properties have not been sent. Selectwoman Barton agreed to follow up with the Select Board to advance enforcement. Member Shaw will contact other communities regarding their enforcement steps.
Regarding E-mapping, resident Steven Borne requested inclusion of the wet area around Parsons Road. Land Use Assistant Campbell will contact FB Environmental about watershed boundary changes.
John Shaw reported on the 319 Grant, a 60/40 matching program for watershed projects. The Committee agreed to pursue this for future projects, as the deadline for this year had passed.
The Committee reviewed a draft amendment by Member Shaw to require a visual check of leach fields during pump-outs. They agreed to implement this checklist requirement before mandating full inspections.
Source: https://www.ryenh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09092026-755
The Technical Review Committee reviewed a 7-lot subdivision proposal for 701 South Rd. Members agreed no full traffic study is required for the proposed 800-foot road. Specifying fire suppression infrastructure was a primary focus. The Fire Department preferred extending the West Road water main, currently 1,700 feet away, over installing a cistern. Mr. Wunderly stated a cistern would require at least 30,000 gallons of capacity. Mr. Rucker stated the road must be 24 feet wide if dedicated to the Town. Ms. Truslow and Ms. Dilonno confirmed a hydrogeologic study is mandatory due to the Aquifer Protection District location. The applicant’s next steps are completing this study before the Planning Board meeting on September 8 and finalizing fire suppression infrastructure. Maintenance of drainage and stormwater systems will remain the responsibility of the homeowners’ association.
Source: https://www.ryenh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08262026-744
Rye Conservation Commission members Victor Odryna, Gary Terhune, Hugh Lee, Michael Bean, and Glenn Suchocki met at 6:40 p.m. The Commission presented the Goss Farm Barn swallow relocation project. Early 2026, the Commission voted to prohibit swallows from nesting in the barn. Permits for alternative structures were received by March 2026. Project costs totaled $3,950 to $4,100: Shed ($1,900), Umbrella ($650-$700), and Pavilions ($1,400-$1,500). Eleven successful nests yielded over 50 chicks in the new structures. Next steps include proposing structural changes for next season and marking the area with signs before nesting begins. The Commission will continue monitoring. Hugh Lee moved to adjourn at 8:00 p.m., seconded by Victor Odryna; all were in favor.
Source: https://www.ryenh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09012026-748