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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-07-24 CONCOM-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES Tuesday, July 24, 2012 7:30 pm Parker Room, Town Office Building 1625 Massachusetts Avenue Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 7:07 pm in the Parker Room of the Town Offices Building. Commissioners present: Stew Kennedy, Joyce Miller, Duke Bitsko, Jane Warren, David Lansgeth (arrived 7:41 pm) and Dick Wolk (arrived 7:55 pm) Commissioners absent: Phil Hamilton Others present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator; Emily Schadler, Conservation Stewardship Coordinator; Michelle Tassi, Department Assistant 7:07 pm Motion made by roll call vote to enter executive session under Exemption 3 to discuss the litigation of 359 Lincoln Street, 4-0 in favor. It is declared that an open session would have a detrimental effect on the Town’s negotiating position. The Commission will return to open session at the conclusion of executive session. 7:42 pm Informal: Approve a Sign Template for ACROSS Lexington Project on Conservation Land Present for the discussion: Rick Abrams, Greenways Corridor Committee Mike Tabaczynksi, Greenways Corridor Committee Eileen Entin, Citizens for Lexington Conservation Documentation: Lexington Greenways Corridor Committee ACROSS Lexington – Conservation Commission Informal Presentation, July 24, 2012 Mr. Abrams described the ACROSS Lexington Project, which aims to install connecting pedestrian routes throughout Lexington. He explained that the project is starting with a pilot route that they would like to install by September 2012. He described the signage proposed for the project and asked for feedback and approval from the Conservation Commission. The Commission Mr. Langseth asked about coloration of the blue arrow relating to the blue hat. Mr. Langseth commented on the route layout. Ms. Warren asked about the other types of arrows or markings for conservation trails. Mr. Bitsko suggested that a green arrow go along with the green conservation logo to indicate conservation trails. Ms. Mullins suggested that a height specification be included in the guiding documents. Mr. Bitkso commented that he would like the ACROSS Lexington project to come back to the Commission if they would like to install additional signage within conservation land other than is shown on the pilot route map. Ms. Miller expressed concern about nails being placed in trees. Motion made and seconded to approve the proposal as presented, 6-0 in favor. 8:11 pm Meeting – RDA Conservation Land off Conestoga Rd/Katahdin Woods DET 12-15 Construction and maintenance of footbridges Documentation: RDA application Present for the applicant: Jay Sklar, Lexington Conservation Stewards Mike Tabaczynski, Greenways Corridor Committee Mr. Sklar described a proposal to construct a trail segment and 2 footbridges of 16’ and 32’ length on Katahdin Woods conservation area between Conestoga Road and Bates Road. He shared photographs with the Commission of current conditions of the site. Comments from the Commission as follows: Ms. Miller asked if the project is outside of the floodplain. Mr. Langseth asked if the specs for the boardwalk could be included with the proposal. Mr. Bitsko asked if this proposal included a request for new signage. Mr. Langseth asked for clarification on the work to be done on and the character of new trail segment. He expressed that on the sloped part of the trail, he is concerned about erosion. Sandy Russian of 2 Conestoga Road expressed her concern about the project and the attraction of more people to the Conestoga Road area. Vincent Graceffa of 12 Conestoga Road expressed concern about how the proposed trail may change the neighborhood. Jacqueline Kline of 9 Conestoga Road commented that the proposed trail is located very close to her driveway and that it increases her feeling of insecurity. Motion made and seconded to continue the meeting at the applicant’s request to August 7, 2012 at 7:30 pm, 6-0 in favor. 8:35 pm Meeting – RDA 24 Leonard Road DET 12-16 Fill in-ground pool Documentation: RDA application Present for the applicant: Janet Maggio, Ronald Maggio & Son, Contractors Ms. Maggio described a project to fill an in-ground pool and properly dispose of material and restore the area. Comments from the Commission as follows: Ms. Mullins commented that the Board of Health provided comments on the proper procedure for the pool removal. The Commission discussed whether Board of Health approval is required prior to Conservation approval. Ms. Mullins clarified that if material needs to be brought in from the outside, it must be clean fill. Mr. Langseth requested that any paint be removed. Motion made and seconded to issue a negative determination with conditions, 6-0 in favor. 8:45 pm Hearing – NOI, 49 Fottler Ave, Naplex Construction, LLC DEP 201-867, BL 825 Demolition of existing single family home and driveway and construction of a new single family home Documentation: NOI application Present for the applicant: Jonathan Bollen, Stamski and McNary, Inc. Mr. Bollen described a project to demolish an existing single family home and driveway and construct a new single family home. Ms. Miller read a report from the Town Engineer into the record. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Langseth asked about clarification of the drainage system. Ms. Mullins requested that the limit of work line be marked on the plan. Ms. Mullins reminded the applicant to consult the Tree Warden regarding tree removal. Patricia Nieshoff of 30 Theresa Avenue commented that she was concerned about tree removal. Neil Ruocco of 45 Fottler Avenue asked for assurance that the project not impact neighboring properties. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing at the applicant’s request to August 7, 2012 at 7:30 pm, 6-0 in favor. 8:52 pm Cont. Hearing – NOI, 24 Constitution Road, John and Mary Nessel DEP 201-865, BL 823 Construct addition within 100-foot Buffer Zone to BVW Documentation: Infiltration system detail Present for the applicant: Chris Williams, First Class Carpentry Mr. Williams described the specifications for the proposed infiltration system, which the Commission requested at their last meeting. He stated that they plan to remove a 5 foot overlay area of peat. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Langseth asked for clarification about the 5 foot hole. Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 6-0 in favor. 9:07 pm Continued Hearing – NOI, 10 Vaille Ave., David Moore DEP 201-864, BL 822 Demo and Construct new SFH within 100-foot Buffer Zone to BVW Ms. Miller reported that the applicant requested a continuance. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing at the applicant’s request to September 18, 2012 at 7:30pm, 6-0 in favor. 9:09 pm Continued Hearing - NOI, Banks Avenue, Applicant: Keith Dorrington 201-858, BL 816 Owner: Meg Intervivos Irrecovable Trust Construction of new single family dwelling Ms. Miller reported that the applicant requested a continuance. Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing at the applicant’s request to August 21, 2012 at 7:30pm, 6-0 in favor. 9:11 pm Continued Hearing – NOI, 22 Hamilton Road, Cialdea Construction, J and M. Caporal and Watstein 201-866, BL 824 Demolish and construct new SFH within 100-foot Buffer Zone to BVW Documentation: Alternative Analysis Proposal and Drainage Analysis Present for the applicant: Fred Russell, PE Mr. Russell described changes made since the last hearing, including reducing the house size, moving the driveway to use the existing curb cut on Hamilton Road, revising the drainage so that there is a low spot in driveway to capture drainage, and reducing development in resource areas. Comments from the Commission as follows: Mr. Wolk commented that he would like to see an itemized cost for economic justification in alternatives analyses. Bob Heingartner of 53 Ledgelawn Avenue commented that he was pleased that the applicant had been responsive to the concerns of the neighbors. Sonya Demarta of 51 Ledgelawn Avenue asked about the square footage of the newly proposed house. Alexy Vikhlinin of 18 Hamilton Road asked if a sump pump would be necessary in the new house. Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 6-0 in favor. 9:21 pm Pending Matters The Commission discussed a request for amendment to an Order of Conditions for 14 Whittier Road (201-847 BL 805) in order to add a rear patio. Motion made and seconded to allow the proposal of the addition of the rear patio as an amendment to the Order of Conditions, 6-0 in favor. Motion made and seconded to issue an Order of Conditions for 52 Hartwell Avenue, LLC (201-859, BL 817), 6-0 in favor. Ms. Schadler presented the Lexington Alive field guide and requested funding from the Lexington Nature Trust. Motion made and seconded to approve the expenditure of $807.50 from the Lexington Nature Trust for the purpose of purchasing the field guide. Ms. Schadler reported that the stewards received a DCR Recreational Trails Program grant for trail improvements at Whipple Hill. Motion made and seconded to approve minutes from April 3, 2012 with minor changes, 6-0 in favor. Motion made and seconded to approve minutes from July 10, 2012, 6-0 in favor. 9:40 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 6-0 in favor. Respectfully submitted, Emily Schadler Conservation Stewardship Coordinator