Wicked Waves Water Park will soon expand its footprint onto the former Salty’s property following a unanimous decision by the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 22. The plan involves reconfiguring the Route 28 site to alleviate guest crowding and consolidate operations, though neighbors raised concerns about the facility’s persistent auditory impact on the surrounding West Yarmouth residential area.

Attorney Andrew Singer, representing Sandbar Management, Inc., explained that the proposal incorporates the neighboring 518 Route 28 property into the existing water park by extending a berm and fencing. While the expansion adds new water features, Singer noted it is intended to spread out the current guest volume rather than increase capacity. Joe Morama, the park’s owner, estimated the changes would necessitate an increase in staffing from 45 to 55 certified lifeguards. He noted that the park employs approximately 150 people in total, with many housed at the Town and Country motel. Right now the water park is 10:00 to 6:00 and the inflatables are 10:00 to 8:00, but now they'll all close at 6:00 or 7:00 because they won't have a separate entrance, Morama told the board.

The discussion turned toward neighborhood impacts when resident Paula Auerback of Beverly Road described a recurring buzzer that sounds every 15 minutes, which she said disrupts her ability to enjoy her deck. Member John Mantoni suggested the sound likely serves a safety function, noting, I think it's the wave pool to let people know the waves are coming. The whole town knows the waves are coming. Morama committed to investigating noise deflection measures, stating, I'll definitely look into the buzzer. I didn't realize it was an issue. Board member Tim Scanlan scrutinized the placement of the rides, asking, The inflatables being removed, is that the area where they were a little bit tall over the fence? Project engineer Kevin Healey clarified that new features would be moved further back from the street to meet 30-foot setbacks. Motion Made by J. Mantoni to approve the petition as requested. Motion Passed (5-0).

A more contentious atmosphere met Laurville Santos, who sought a special permit for a second-story addition at 96 Southshore Drive. Chairman Sean Igoe expressed immediate reservations regarding the property’s location in a flood zone and the lack of a foundation plan. You're also doing at least a 50% renovation, which means you'll have to comply with FEMA regulations and raise the foundation to elevation 12, about 4 feet up from where it is now, Igoe warned. He further questioned the legality of the existing structure and the capacity of the septic system. Member Barbara Murphy echoed these concerns, stating, I'd really like to see where the septic system is going. That's a big omission on this plan.

The board suggested the project would be better suited as a raze and replace rather than an addition, which would allow the owner to move the structure further from the lot lines. Member Dick Martin agreed with the technical hurdles, noting, I have those same reservations. The neighbor went up a second story, but I'm not thrilled about this. Facing a likely denial, Santos opted to pull the application. Motion Made by T. Scanlan to allow the petitioner to withdraw petition 5213 without prejudice. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board also addressed a minor setback violation at 33 Swift Road, where homeowner Felipe Costa had constructed a 4x8 front porch before his building permit was finalized. I started the project outside before my building permit was complete. So I did pull the building permit but I didn't wait. So I'm here to try to fix this, Costa admitted. Neighbor Tara Buchelle spoke in favor of the variance, noting that while Costa made a mistake by not waiting for the permit, he's done nothing but add beauty to our neighborhood. Vice Chair Dick Martin described the request as minimalist. Motion Made by T. Scanlan to approve petition 5211 with no conditions. Motion Passed (5-0).