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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