Harwich Conservation Commission Picks SWCA for $9,990 Pine Oaks Wetlands Review

HARWICH -- June 17, 2026, Harwich Conservation Commission voted 5-0 to hire SWCA Environmental Consultants for a $9,990 independent review of wetland delineations submitted by Mid Cape Church Homes Inc., doing business as Pine Oaks Village Homes, for a multi-parcel site on Queen Anne Road. Robert Doan, Vice President of Mid Cape Church Homes, presented the result of a competitive request for proposals, recommending SWCA over Lucas Environmental and BSC Group for its commitment to GIS shapefile deliverables, hydrologic connectivity analysis, and a live presentation to the board, features he said no other respondent matched. Brian Madden of LEC Environmental Consultants, the applicant's consultant, urged the commission to weigh cost, noting SWCA's bid was more than $2,000 above the next-highest firm. New members Rob Mador and Jonathan Cain, welcomed at full complement for the first time in years, did not vote on the item because two prior public hearings had already been held. The commission also separately approved a septic upgrade at 6 Paradise Path and a boardwalk reconstruction at 17 and 0 Dunes Road, and continued hearings for 18 Sound View Road and 29-33 Snow Inn Road after both applicants were asked to return with more detailed site plans.