HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-13 CONCOM-min
TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
7:30 P.M.
Parker Room, Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 7:35 pm in the Parker Room of the Town
Office Building.
Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller, Jane Warren, Stew Kennedy, Duke Bitsko, Phil
Hamilton (Arrived at 8:17 pm), and David Langseth
Commissioners Absent: Dick Wolk
Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator (Arrived at 8:53 pm) and
Michelle Tassi, Conservation Department Assistant
7:35 pm Meeting - RDA, 60 Sherburne Road
DET# 12-24
Covered front porch and landscaping improvements
Documentation: RDA Application
Present for the Applicant: Michael Coutu and Ryan Macomber: Sudbury
Design Group, Hari and Sue Polansky: Homeowners
Mr. Coutu proposed the removal of a wooden deck and construction of a
covered front porch. The lawn is being reduced by 2,975 sq. ft. and
plantings proposed within the Buffer Zone.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Ms. Warren commented on 7
articles written about native plants that can provide guidance to the
applicant. Mr. Langseth stated that 600 sq. ft. of impervious surface is
being added, but the drainage calculations only account for 300 sq. ft. Ms.
Miller asked if any pervious paver details were submitted. It was
suggested that a planting plan be submitted as well.
Motion made and seconded to continue the meeting to November 27, 2012
at 7:30 pm at the request of the applicant, 5-0 in favor.
7:55pm Cont. Hearing - NOI, 39 Middleby Road
DEP# 201-875, BL 833
Construction of a single-family home within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Documentation: NOI Application & Revised Drainage Calculations and
Site Plan 11/9/12
Present for the Applicant: Scott Goddard: Goddard Consulting, LLC
Mr. Goddard proposed the deck/patio to be constructed so the nearest
point of the structure is 57 feet away from the wetlands. He described the
revised drainage calculations which no longer include pre-existing
impervious surface. Mr. Goddard reported that the stream in question is
intermittent based on the stream stats report findings. He described a
detailed planting plan in which the present vegetation of invasive species
will be eradicated, the area will be re-graded, and then replanted with
native species.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
The Commission suggested that Mr. Goddard check with Ms. Mullins on
the requested use of specific iron pins and caps to demarcate the bounds.
Mr. Kennedy commented that there were two elevations on the plan listed
as 229 on the east side of the dwelling and one should be 228 to match
into existing grade. Mr. Langseth reviewed the proposed conditions
attained vs. the proposed conditions unattained and mentioned that the
calculations are unclear. Mr. Langseth commented that there should be a
summary table of the drainage calculations.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to November 27, 2012
at 7:30 pm at the request of the applicant, 5-0 in favor.
8:20 pm Cont. Hearing - NOI, 4 Turning Mill Road
DEP# 201-876, BL 834
Construction of an addition within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Documentation: NOI Application, Revised Narrative and Mitigation
Measures and Revised Wetland Permitting Plan November 9, 2012
Present for the Applicant: Victor Vizgatis and Madalene Sullivan:
Homeowners
Mr. Vizgatis proposed the construction of an addition to an existing
single-family dwelling on the west side of the home with additional
plantings for mitigation. The homeowners wish to respect the cultural
resource of the house. Mr. Vizgatis explained that building the addition
on the north side of the house would require a good amount of excavation
as well as removal of two large trees, the south and east side would require
even deeper excavation than the north side and removal of more trees.
Mr. Vizgatis chose the west side because it is flat, was already previously
disturbed, and there would be no tree removal.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Langseth asked how access would be gained to the backyard. Mr.
Langseth suggested that a similar drip edge system be in the front of the
house. Ms. Miller asked how far away the nearest structure would be
from the wetlands. Mr. Kennedy stated that he understands the reasoning
for choosing the west side of the house for the addition and he inquired
about the health of the two large oak trees. Mr. Hamilton stated that it is
difficult to approve a proposal for building within the 50-foot Buffer with
no extra mitigation. Mr. Bitsko asked if there were any other doors
proposed other than the one in the west. Mr. Langseth suggested that the
drainage calculations be revisited.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to an unspecified date
at the request of the applicant, 5-0 in favor.
9:10 pm Hearing - AmendOOC, 97 Hayden Ave
DEP# 201-745, BL 704
Modifications to the previously approved Ledgemont III project within the
100-foot Buffer Zone
Documentation: III Ledgemont Center Amended Order of Conditions
Plans, Request to Amend OOC, Stormwater Report October 24, 2012 and
Nutter Letter November 12, 2012
Present for the Applicant: Kevin Gammons: Counsel for Hobbs
Management Group, Dominic Rinaldi: BSC Group, and Rich Kirby:
LEC Environmental
Mr. Gammons, Mr. Rinaldi, and Mr. Kirby read the Nutter Letter before
the hearing was opened. Mr. Gammons explained that the plan change
was a result of Town Meeting approval. Mr. Kirby described the building
footprint increase of 10,150 square feet, access driveway and parking
space re-alignment, and conservation restriction and trail easement
expansion. Mr. Rinaldi explained the updated stormwater management
design.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Mr. Langseth pointed out that the
1 year storm calculation is not included in the drainage calculations. Mr.
Kennedy asked how the percolation rates were determined and voiced his
concern about the impacts if rates were overestimated. Mr. Kennedy
questioned if the amount of parking increased and if there was any work
occurring on the Beal Property Ledgemont I.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 6-0 in favor.
9:42 pm Hearing - NOI, Route 2 MassDOT
DEP# 201-879, BL 837
Routine maintenance and repair of existing drainage structures and
roadway embankment at select locations along Route 2 and associated on-
ramps and off-ramps within the Bordering Vegetated Wetland, Land
Under Waterbodies and Waterways, Bordering Land Subject to Flooding,
and Riverfront Area
Documentation: NOI Application and Proposed Work Area Figures
Present for the Applicant: Sean Hale: Epsilon Associates, Inc. and
Andrea Norton: MassDOT
Mr. Hale proposed 15 locations for road drainage maintenance, removing
debris, sediments, and garbage, etc; 14 of which are limited projects and
one (location 9) that is in the Buffer Zone only. He stated that the work
will be done by a mini excavator and hand tools.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Mr. Langseth asked how work is
addressed in flowing water. Mr. Bitsko commented that the water on one
site flows to the Cambridge Reservoir and suggested that the Cambridge
Water Department be informed.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to November 27, 2012
at 7:30 pm at the request of the applicant, 6-0 in favor.
10:00 pm Hearing – NOI, 13 Sherburne Road
DEP# 201-880, BL 838
Construction of a single-family dwelling within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Documentation: NOI Application
Present for the Applicant: Ben Osgood: Pennoni Associates, Inc.
Mr. Osgood proposed demolition and construction of a single-family
dwelling.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Langseth suggested a driveway trench detail that will signal to the
owner that it is clogged, instead of letting the water flow out to the street.
Mr. Kennedy commented that an opportunity could be made to plant
native species that would act as a boundary for the 25-foot Buffer Zone.
Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Mr. Langseth stated that a trench
drain should be added to the OM report and trees that are to be removed
should be labeled on the plan.
Carol Murphy of 14 Sherburne Road commented that there is a high water
table in the area and mature trees near the driveway of 13 Sherburne Road
should not be removed. Ms. Murphy asked for an explanation of an
infiltration system.
Mr. Langseth explained an infiltration system to Ms. Murphy. Ms. Miller
agreed to a site visit on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 10:00 am with
Ms. Murphy to see the mature trees.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to November 27, 2012
at 7:30 pm at the request of the applicant, 6-0 in favor.
10:23 pm Hearing – NOI, 7 Farm Road
DEP# 201-878, BL 836
Construction of an addition to an existing single-family dwelling within
the 100-foot Buffer Zone and ‘Previously Developed’ Riverfront Area
Documentation: NOI Application
Present for the Applicant: Rich Kirby: LEC Environmental and Al Gala:
Gala Simon Associates, Inc.
Mr. Kirby proposed construction of a swim spa and Jacuzzi beneath the
deck that would be two and a half feet into the grade. The addition is 466
square feet of new structure and it will be 57 feet away from the mean
annual high water line.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Mr. Langseth asked for an
explanation of the sewer connection and for a 1 year volume calculation to
be provided. Mr. Kennedy questioned which benchmark was used for the
FEMA elevation. Mr. Bitsko commented that the infiltration system needs
to be moved because it is within 20 feet of an easement. Mr. Kennedy
asked if the swing set was a temporary structure. Mr. Langseth questioned
how the construction equipment would fit in the small area.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to November 27, 2012
at 7:30 pm at the request of the applicant, 6-0 in favor.
10:39 pm Hearing – NOI, 5 Tavern Lane
Construction of an addition to an existing single family dwelling within
the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Documentation: NOI Application
Present for the Applicant: Scott Smyers: Oxbow Associates, Inc.
Mr. Smyers proposed a 14’ x 22’ addition on the back of an existing
single-family dwelling. He stated that a small bobcat will gain access to
the back through the garage to dig the infiltration system.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Mr. Langseth asked if there was a
door on the backside of the garage. Ms. Miller read Ms. Mullins’ notes on
the need for access to the site to be delineated and that a complete
drainage analysis was not provided for the 2, 10, 100 year peak rates and 1
year volumes.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to November 27, 2012
at 7:30 pm at the request of the applicant, 6-0 in favor.
PENDING MATTERS
9:05 pm Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions for 44 Lincoln
Street, DEP# 201-874, BL 832, 6-0 in favor.
9:40 pm Motion made and seconded to issue a Certificate of Compliance for 24
Ingleside Road, DEP# 201-703, BL 660, 6-0 in favor.
10:50 pm Plan Change Request: 2013 & 2027 Mass Ave, Inn at Hastings Park,
DEP# 201-837, BL 795
Mr. Larson presented the proposed changes including entry to the
basement and pine tree mitigation for removal.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Langseth asked if the air handling unit contained any fluids or a spill
control pan. Ms. Miller questioned the dimensions of the air handling
unit. Mr. Langseth asked about the connections to the buildings. Ms.
Mullins suggested that the Site Utility Plan should be revised to show the
plan for the ac/heat pump and trenching. Ms. Mullins mentioned that the
limit of work line is not shown on the submitted plan.
11:10 pm Motion made and seconded to approve plan revisions per the Order of
Conditions, DEP# 201-857, BL 815: 71 Hancock Street, 6-0 in favor.
11:17 pm Motion made and seconded to approve the 2013 Conservation
Commission Meeting Calendar, 6-0 in favor.
Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from October 30, 2012
with minor changes, 6-0 in favor.
Ms. Mullins reported that an Enforcement Order will be issued for
Blueberry Lane.
11:20 pm Motion made by roll call vote to enter executive session under Exemption
6 to discuss the Valleyfield Street property. It is declared that an open
session would have a detrimental effect on the Town’s negotiating
position. The Commission will not return to open session at the
conclusion of executive session.
Motion made and seconded to approve the executive session minutes from
October 30, 2012, 6-0 in favor.
11:30 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 6-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Tassi
Conservation Department Assistant