BEP overturns decision on couple’s pier

The Board of Environmental Protection voted Thursday to allow a couple to build a pier off their property just north of Winter Harbor.

Staff at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection had rejected the request from David and Valerie Hoffman to build a 75-foot pier, ramp and float on property they own in Myrick Cove. In the denial, DEP staff cited the pier’s impact on aesthetics as well as wetlands.

But Robert Morin Jr., owner of C.R.M. Construction Services, argued Thursday that the location is already partly developed. Morin also said the pier, which his company would build, would be low-profile and would not be highly visible.

Morin, who represented the couple at Thursday’s appeal hearing, said David Hoffman planned to use the pier to dock his lobster boat. Because of deed restrictions, Hoffman would not be allowed to store or haul lobster traps on the pier.

Morin also argued that the rocky terrain and surf would make it unsafe for Hoffman to use a skiff or punt to reach his boat.

Board members were split over the proposal, focusing largely on the aesthetic impacts of the pier. But after some debate the members voted 5-3 to grant the couple’s appeal.