HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-27 CONCOM-min
TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
7:30 P.M.
Parker Room, Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 7:37 pm in the Parker Room of the Town
Office Building.
Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller (arrive at 7:35, Phil Hamilton (arrived at 7:35),
Stew Kennedy, Jane Warren, Duke Bitsko (arrived at 7:35), David Langseth (arrived at
7:35), and Dick Wolk (arrived at 7:35)
Others Present: Michelle Tassi, Community Development Department Assistant
7:37 pm Hearing – NOI, 7 Middleby Road
DEP# 201-906, BL 866
Demolition and construction of a new single-family dwelling within the
100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland
Documentation: NOI Application 8/7/2013
Present for the Applicant: Scott Smyers, Oxbow Associates, Inc. and
Michael Walsh, Homeowner
Mr. Smyers proposed demolition and construction of a new single-family
dwelling. The dwelling will be 74’ away from the wetlands at its closest
point. The runoff will be infiltrated. Mr. Smyers explained that there will
be a reduction of 510 square feet of impervious surface for the project.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Langseth discussed the total runoff from the site and stated that he
needed clarification of the project meeting the performance standards. Mr.
Langseth read the engineering report. The Commission discussed the need
for an on site inspection of the infiltration and a test pit. Ms. Miller read
letters from abutters at 210 Lincoln Street and 11 Middleby Road. Mr.
Langseth commented that a direct connection of a sump pump to the town
drain is not allowed without the runoff first being infiltrated. Mr. Langseth
requested a trench drain detail to be put on the plan. Mr. Bitsko stated that
the current proposed wetland line looks consistent with the wetland line
that was proposed 11 years ago. Mr. Bitsko raised concerns of flooding in
the area. Mr. Smyers replied that impervious surface is being removed and
the project proposes infiltrating the runoff. Mr. Bitsko asked if the deck
will have a roof. Mr. Walsh commented that it will be regular decking
with crushed stone underneath. Mr. Langseth asked for clarification on a
contour line that shows a mild swale continuing along the back of the
property. Mr. Wolk asked what the zoning setbacks were for the property
and if a slab foundation could be used. Mr. Hamilton gave a summary of
all information needed for the next hearing.
Clair Sweeney of 11 Middleby Road explained the letter that she
submitted to the Commission raising her concerns of flooding in the area.
Jonathan Quint of 202 Lincoln Street stated that he has seen an increase in
the amount of water in the area due to other projects that have taken place
in the past.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to September 10, 2013
at 7:30 pm at the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor.
8:18 pm Hearing – NOI, 82 Pleasant Street
DEP# 201-909, BL 869
Construction of an addition and an extension of a garage within the 100-
foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland
Documentation: NOI Application 8/7/2013
Present for the Applicant: Albert and Yung Shen Huang, Homeowners
Mr. Huang gave a brief description of his background. He proposed
construction of an addition and an extension of the garage.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Mr. Huang replied to the
engineering comments stating that there was a decrease in impervious area
and not an increase. Mr. Langseth stated that he had long term concerns of
the possibility of new owners wanting an asphalt driveway instead of
porous one. Mr. Bitsko commented that an operations and maintenance
plan was not submitted and that using porous asphalt may not be a good
use on such a steep slope. Mr. Bitsko questioned the use of an unanchored
straw wattle and silt fence. Mr. Huang replied that the straw wattle was
secured to the fence. Ms. Miller asked for soil samples to be submitted for
the wetland line delineation. Mr. Hamilton asked the area of the addition
that is within the 50’ Buffer Zone. Mr. Hamilton summarized the
information that was needed for the next hearing.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to September 10, 2013
at 7:30 pm at the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor.
8:48 pm Hearing – NOI, 53 Eldred Street
DEP# 201-911, BL 871
Construction of a 12’ x 16’ shed within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to
Bordering Vegetated Wetland
Documentation: NOI Application 8/7/2013
Present for the Applicant: Kim and David Johnson, Homeowners
Mrs. Johnson proposed the construction of a 12’ x 16’ shed. She described
a perimeter drain around the shed with screen and stones.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Langseth asked if the shed could be brought out of the 50’ Buffer
Zone. Ms. Miller questioned the purpose of the construction of the shed.
Mrs. Johnson replied that there are six people living in the home and it
will be used for storage. Ms. Miller asked how spillage from the small
equipment and gas containers would be handled. Mr. Johnson replied that
a plastic container will be placed inside the shed to control spillage from
gas containers. Mr. Hamilton commented that it is possible the shed could
be moved to a better location and that the Commission should go out and
look at the site. Ms. Miller read the engineering report. Mrs. Johnson
asked if the shed was closer to their home if a trench would still be
required. Mr. Langseth replied that one would still be necessary. Mr.
Kennedy asked if there was a proposal for any new asphalt within the 100’
Buffer Zone.
Wyn Somers of 55 Eldred Street was concerned about the equipment that
would be placed inside the shed as well as the Johnson’s intentions.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to September 10, 2013
at 7:30 pm at the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor.
PENDING MATTERS
9:05 pm The Commission scheduled the site visits for 48 Valley Road on Thursday,
September 5, 2013 at 6:00 pm.
9:12 pm The Commission postponed approving the minutes from the meeting on
August 21, 2013.
9:13 pm Motion made and seconded to issue a Certificate of Compliance:
Butterfield Pond Dam Rehabilitation, DEP# 201-840, 7-0 in favor.
9:13 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 7-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Tassi
Community Development Department Assistant