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