HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-20 CONCOM-min
TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
6:30 P.M.
Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 6:41 pm in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room of the Town
Office Building.
Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller, Phil Hamilton (arrived at 7:31 pm), Stew Kennedy, Dick
Wolk, Duke Bitsko, Jane Warren, and David Langseth
Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Michelle Morelli, Community
Development Department Assistant
PENDING MATTERS
6:42 pm Wetlands restoration plan: 442 Marrett Road
Dean Curtin, Owner and Rich Kirby, LEC Environmental Consultants were
present for this discussion. Mr. Kirby explained that the proposed plan to restore
the site will encompass removal of fill, re-creation of a drainage swale, re-
vegetation with native plantings and ten trees in which they will monitor for two
growing seasons. Mr. Langseth asked for a clarification on the slopes of the
drainage swale and anchoring details for securing the erosion control fabric. Mr.
Bitsko commented on the seed mix and upland species. Ms. Mullins gave a brief
history of the site and violations that have occurred.
Motion made and seconded to amend the enforcement order which will include a
pre-construction meeting and monitoring more than once a year, 6-0 in favor.
7:02 pm Land Use Permit Application: Turning Mill Road parking area, Friends of the
Burlington Landlocked Forest
Martha Simon, President of the Friends of the Burlington Landlocked Forest was
present for this discussion. Ms. Simon explained that they have held prior events
within the previous three years and there were no complaints regarding parking.
Ms. Simon stated that mountain bikers were notified of the hours of the event.
Ms. Mullins commented that an abutter will address the parking situation on the
th
June 10 Conservation Commission and stewards joint meeting.
William Lenderking of 4 Grimes Road stated that he appreciated Martha’s effort
to protect the forest and agrees that parking will not cause any problems.
Motion made and seconded to approve the use of the Turning Mill Road parking
st
area and entrance into the Burlington Landlocked Forest on June 1 from 10 am
to 2 pm, 6-0 in favor.
thrd
7:17 pm The Commission postponed approving the minutes from May 6 until June 3.
7:18 pm Hearing – 430 Concord Avenue
DEP# 201-938, BL 897
Applicant: Jason Hicks
Redevelop the property with an Alzheimer’s Care Facility and associated
infrastructure as well as implement a restoration plan within the 200-foot
Riverfront Area and 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bank and Bordering Vegetated
Wetland
Present for the applicant: Rich Kirby, LEC Environmental Consultants, Inc.,
Mike Novak, Meridian Associates, Ed Grant, Counsel for Artis Senior Living,
Richard E. Waitt, Jr., Meridian Associates, Jason Hicks, Artis Senior Living,
Gary Larson, Landscape Architect
Mr. Grant stated that this project will be presented at a hearing in front of the
st
Planning Board on May 21. Mr. Kirby gave a description of the site and
proposed removal of fill and debris as well as a restoration plan for the area. The
structure is proposed as a one-story building, approximately 30,000 sq. ft. with a
loop style driveway, 24’ wide to accommodate for emergency vehicle access.
Mr. Kirby explained the 2010 restoration plan effort and the proposed restoration
plan for 2014. Mr. Novak explained how the infiltration systems will function.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read the engineering review stating:
Soil tests were done and the soil is predominantly fill
Engineering has had several opportunities to review these plans in the
design process
A comprehensive drainage report was submitted. The calculations are
responsible. They show a reduction in runoff from the site after project
completion compared to pre-existing conditions
The project includes a stormwater infiltration system to compensate for
the loss of permeable surface area
Engineering is satisfied with measures shown to protect existing sanitary
sewer that crosses the property. The construction of the culvert crossings
will have to be done with coordination with DPW
Engineering expects to have the opportunity to review the design for the
retaining walls when they are available
As-built drawings of the utilities on the site will have to be submitted and
approved on completion of the project
Mr. Langseth commented on pre and post development runoff. The Commission
discussed the old pipe outlet location and Mr. Novak explained a new pipe is
proposed to completely replace the old pipe. Mr. Bitsko commented that the
planting schedule is acceptable, but the language regarding monitoring needs to
be clarified to reflect over a five year period. The Commission and Mr. Kirby
discussed the bordering vegetated wetlands and wetland boundary. Mr. Kennedy
asked how the culvert design was determined. Mr. Novak replied that the culvert
will contain a headwall and two pipes which will help wildlife movement. Mr.
Wolk asked about the access for Fire Department all around the proposed
building. Mr. Kirby responded and stated the width of the access driveway was
discussed with the Fire Department. Mr. Wolk asked for the construction
sequence schedule. Ms. Miller read a letter into the record from an abutter.
Bob, Trustee of Swammonland Trust voiced concerns about vernal pools and
wildlife in the area. He asked what the impact this project would have on the
brook. Mr. Novak replied that there is no increase in runoff as a result of this
proposal.
David Kessler of 20 Barberry Road commented on mitigation for this area in the
past and asked if there would be light pollution. Mr. Kirby explained that DEP
required Mr. Sellars to restore the area. Mr. Larson stated that zoning regulates
lighting in which the light source needs to be kept inside a container with lenses
and shields directed downward. A lighting plan will be submitted because no
light is allowed beyond the property boundary. Mr. Langseth asked for the plan
to show the light impact on the wetland areas.
Michael Bliss of 13 Barberry Road commented on the high water table.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to June 3, 2014 at 7:00 pm at
the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor.
8:32 pm Cont. Meeting – 3 Crescent Road, RDA
DET# 14-02
Applicant: Heather Yu
Installation of a fence and removal of a tree within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Present for the Applicant: Heather Yu, Homeowner
Ms. Yu proposed the installation of a fence in the back and side yard,
approximately 35’ away from the edge of the wetlands. Ms. Yu stated that the
fence will give more protection to the wetlands.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller commented that the regulations do not allow structures within the 25’
buffer zone and the area has continued to be mowed. Mr. Hamilton stated that
the applicant will need to file a Notice of Intent for proposal of installation of a
fence within the 25’ buffer zone. The Commission discussed the proposal to
remove one tree and amend the request to install a fence and remove one tree.
Ms. Yu withdrew the proposal to install a fence within the 25’ buffer zone.
Motion made and seconded to issue a negative determination with conditions for
the amended request to remove one tree, 7-0 in favor.
8:52 pm Hearing – 9 Vine Brook Road, Amend OOC
DEP# 201-890, BL 849
Applicant: Shanthi Thomas
Construction of a porous paver patio, retaining wall and landscaping within the
100-foot Buffer Zone
Present for the applicant: Ian Rubin, Markey and Rubin, Inc. and Jason
Brickman, Builder
Mr. Rubin gave an overview of the proposed work to construct a porous paver
patio, retaining wall, and landscaping.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Langseth asked for a clarification on the gutters. Ms. Miller read the
engineering report stating that the revised drainage calculations take into account
permeable landscaping pavers to be installed in the rear yard. The calculations
are responsible and the changes in runoff are only marginally measurable.
Motion made and seconded to approve the amendment to the order of conditions
as described, 7-0 in favor.
9:01 pm Cont. Hearing - 85 Reed Street, NOI
DEP# 201-925, BL 885
Applicant: Brian Powderly
Raze and rebuild a single-family dwelling within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Present for the applicant: Brian Powderly, Builder and Karon Skinner-Catrone,
Wetland Specialist
Ms. Catrone proposed the demolition and rebuild of a single-family dwelling.
Mr. Powderly commented that the Board of Appeals prefers demolishing the
existing home to correct the setback.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Mullins gave a brief overview of her meeting with Mr. Powderly. Mr.
Langseth commented that a demolition of the existing home will provide better
long-term protection. Ms. Miller asked if the plans reflected the revised wetland
line. Mr. Hamilton asked if the fence in back will be removed. Mr. Powderly
replied that the shed and fence are proposed to be removed. Mr. Bitsko
commented on the restoration area, bounds markers for demarcation, and wetland
plants within the buffer zone.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to June 3, 2014 at 7:00 pm at
the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor.
9:15 pm Meeting – Middle Street, Idylwilde Community Garden (old site), RDA
DET# 14-05
Applicant: Town of Lexington Conservation Division
Removal of debris from the old community garden site and replanting of native
vegetationwithin the 100-foot Buffer Zone of Bordering Vegetated Wetland and
of a Bank
Present for the applicant: Karen Mullins, Town of Lexington Conservation
Administrator
Ms. Mullins presented the plans to clean out the old garden site. The first phase
of the project will encompass removal of debris and restoration of the site. The
second phase of the project will include hiring for the restoration portion. Ms.
Mullins commented that a small pickup truck will be used to truck out debris
which will be removed by hand.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Warren asked if the scope of the project would be larger than just the old
garden site. Mr. Kennedy stated that staff was in the process of researching who
has been farming and the need to remove lumber from the raised beds. Mr.
Langseth asked for a clarification on the small pickup truck.
Motion made and seconded to issue a negative determination with conditions, 7-0
in favor. The restoration plan will be proposed to the Commission at a later date.
9:20 pm Hearing – Concord Avenue between Spring & Waltham Street, NOI
DEP# 201-930, BL 890
Applicant: Town of Lexington Department of Public Works
Construction of a new sidewalk along the southern side of Concord Avenue
between Spring and Waltham Street, replacement of the culvert under Concord
Avenue at Hardy’s Pond Brook, installation of a driveway for the Town to access
the existing pump station, milling and repaving of Concord Avenue in the project
area, and demarcation of a bicycle lane
Present for the Applicant: Bridget Mitchell, Woodard & Curran, Inc., Janet
Moonan, Woodard & Curran, Inc., Ron Derosa, Woodard & Curran, Inc., Dave
Pinsonneault, Town of Lexington Manager of Operations, and Dave Cannon,
Town Engineer
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to July 15, 2014 at 7:00 pm at
the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor.
9:21 pm Cont. Hearing - 79 Maple Street, NOI
DEP# 201-921, BL 881
Applicant: Ronald Smith
Raze a single-family dwelling and driveway and construct a new single-family
dwelling, deck, driveway, rooftop infiltration, associated grading and utilities
within the 100-foot Buffer Zone and 200-foot Riverfront Area
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to June 3, 2014 at 7:00 pm at
the request of the applicant, 7-0 in favor.
9:22 pm Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Preservation Committee, Land Steward
Directors, Housing Partnership, Tree Committee, Land Management, Land
Acquisition, etc.
Mr. Wolk reported that he visited Dunback Meadow and had to walk over pallets
to get to the garden site. Mr. Wolk asked if the number of garden plots allowed
should be decreased. Ms. Miller commented on moving the location of the
Dunback Meadow community gardens.
Mr. Wolk requested an executive session for land acquisition.
9:24 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 7-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Morelli
Community Development Department Assistant