HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-03 CONCOM-min
TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
6:30 P.M.
Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Avenue
Chair Joyce Miller opened the meeting at 6:32 pm in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room of the Town
Office Building.
Commissioners Present: Joyce Miller, Phil Hamilton, Stew Kennedy, Dick Wolk and Jane
Warren
Commissioners Absent: Duke Bitsko and David Langseth
Others Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Administrator and Michelle Morelli, Community
Development Department Assistant
PENDING MATTERS
6:33 pm Motion made and seconded to issue a Certificate of Compliance for 62 Grassland
Street, DEP# 201-901, BL 860, 5-0 in favor.
6:35 pm Motion made and seconded to issue a Certificate of Compliance for 486 Lowell
Street, DEP# 201-910, BL 870, 5-0 in favor.
6:37 pm The Commission re-signed the Certificate of Compliance for Hanscom Field,
DEP# 751.
6:40 pm Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Preservation Committee, Land Steward
Directors, Housing Partnership, Tree Committee, Land Management, Land
Acquisition, etc.
Ms. Mullins gave a report on the progress on site at Blueberry Lane.
6:43 pm Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes from May 6, 2014 with a
minor edit, 5-0 in favor.
6:49 pm Plan change: 40 Fern Street, DEP# 201-934, BL 894
Mr. Schrodel presented a plan change to straighten out one fence line, relocate
the shed about 15’ to the east further away from the buffer zone, and dig a 4’
deep trench in order to run electrical wire and water pipe from the existing barn
to the new shed.
Motion made and seconded to approve the plan change as described excluding
the stormwater management design for 40 Fern Street, DEP# 201-934, BL 894,
5-0 in favor.
6:57 pm Hearing – 756-758 Marrett Road, NOI
DEP# 201-941, BL 900
Applicant: Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School
Confirm the extent and boundaries of Wetland Resource Areas subject to the
protection of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Ch. 131, s. 40)
and the Lexington Wetland Protection Code (Ch. 130)
Ms. Mullins gave a brief update on the review of the wetland line.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to June 17, 2014 at 7:00 pm
at the request of the applicant, 5-0 in favor.
7:00 pm Meeting – 45 Winthrop Road, RDA
DET# 14-06
Applicant: Lewis Counts
Construction of a deck and stone wall within the 200-foot Riverfront Area
Present for the applicant: Lewis Counts
Mr. Counts proposed construction of a deck over an existing patio and a stone
wall.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Kennedy asked if there would be a dumpster on site for spoil piles.
Motion made and seconded to issue a negative determination with conditions, 5-0
in favor.
7:06 pm Meeting – 207 East Street, RDA
DET# 14-07
Applicant: Boaxing Zhu
Construction of two sunrooms, a deck and stairs within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Present for the applicant: Mary Trudeau, Wetland Specialist
Ms. Trudeau proposed construction of a sunroom addition and a deck with stairs.
She stated the sunroom would be constructed over an existing impermeable block
patio on helical supports. Mowing beyond the garden bed will cease.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Warren asked if native plantings would be done in the area beyond the
garden bed. Ms. Miller and Mr. Hamilton commented on the need for the
applicant to file a Notice of Intent as the scope of the proposed work goes beyond
a minor project.
Motion made and seconded to issue a positive determination, 5-0 in favor.
7:18 pm Cont. Hearing – 430 Concord Avenue, NOI
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. Novak explained the revised plans with suggested changes from the Fire
Department and Planning Board; widening of the access driveway, installation of
porous pavers within the center island which will also be used for snow storage,
designated visitor only parking, use of temporary erosion control blankets, and
wetland restoration.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Kennedy suggested submittal of porous paver details. Mr. Kennedy asked if
snow would be trucked away when the center island was full. Ms. Miller read a
letter from an abutter at 440 Concord Avenue. Mr. Hamilton read a letter from
Michael Bliss. Mr. Waitt responded to Mr. Bliss’ letter in detail regarding the
restoration effort and prior enforcement orders for this site.
David Kessler of 20 Barberry Road asked for a clarification on raising of the
building elevation. Mr. Larson responded and explained that it is a one-story
building, but certain areas have a different topography. Mr. Waitt gave a
description of the pre and post drainage calculations and soil testing.
Maxine Rodburg of 440 Concord Avenue asked about the privatization of the
property.
An abutter asked if salt would be used during the winter. Mr. Waitt stated that
the conditions restrict use of chemicals.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 5-0 in favor.
8:20 pm Hearing – Lot 186E & Oakmount Circle, NOI
DEP# 201-939, BL 898
Applicant: Merek Franklin, Copley Design
Construction of a single-family dwelling with underground utilities and paving of
a portion of Oakmount Circle within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering
Vegetated Wetland
Present for the applicant: Dan Orwig, Orwig Associates, Scott Kenton, Merek
Franklin, Copley Design
Mr. Orwig gave an overview of the site and proposed right-of-way paving. Mr.
Orwig reviewed each plan and submitted revised drainage calculations and plans.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read a letter from the homeowners of 10 Oakmount Circle and the
engineering review. Mr. Wolk asked for a clarification on if the proposed work
included a sewer connection or a septic system. Mr. Hamilton suggested
submittal of a planting plan.
Robert Finnegan, attorney for the homeowners of Lot 186C, suggested a redesign
of the home in order to eliminate blasting.
Stephen Berry of 8 Oakmount Circle asked if water was being taken away from
Granny Pond. Mr. Orwig replied that a drainage swale will direct it to recharge
Granny Pond.
Tom Fenn, attorney for the homeowners of 184A voiced concerns of runoff
negatively impacting the area.
Maria Kostorizos, attorney for the homeowners of 186B commented on the
blasting in the area and maintaining the existing ecosystem.
The homeowner at 55 Meriam Street asked for runoff and mitigation details.
Mr. Orwig commented that the Planning Board will review the proposal for the
paved roadway at a width of 16’.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to July 1, 2014 at 7:00 pm at
the request of the applicant, 5-0 in favor.
8:56 pm Hearing – 80 Bloomfield Street, AmendOOC
DEP# 201-881, BL 839
Applicant: Andrew Dixon
Construction of a screen porch within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Present for the Applicant: Frederick W. Russell, PE
Mr. Russell proposed the enlargement of the infiltration system to accommodate
for a screen porch.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read the engineering review. Mr. Hamilton reminded the engineer
that the applicant will need to come back in front of the Conservation
Commission if a roof is proposed.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 5-0 in favor.
Motion made and seconded to Amend the Order of Conditions as described, 5-0
in favor.
9:01 pm Hearing – 63 Ledgelawn Avenue, AmendOOC
DEP# 201-862, BL 820
Applicant: Robert Hutchinson
Construction of a patio within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Present for the Applicant: Frederick W. Russell, PE
Mr. Russell proposed the construction of a patio at the rear of the house with two
area drains connected to roof leaders.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read the engineering review. Mr. Kennedy asked if the patio would
be a paved surface. Mr. Russell replied that pavers would be used to construct
the patio which would be pitched to the two area drains. Ms. Mullins commented
on the need for submittal of paver details.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 5-0 in favor.
Motion made and seconded to Amend the Order of Conditions as described, 5-0
in favor.
9:07 pm Hearing – 4 Lake Street, NOI
DEP# 201-940, BL 899
Applicant: Richard A. Chan, Jr.
Second story addition and porch expansion within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Present for the applicant: Andrew Chan, Jr., Homeowner/Applicant
Mr. Chan proposed the construction of a second story addition and infiltration
system on site.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Miller read the engineering review. Mr. Kennedy commented on the
downspout detail for the overflow. Ms. Mullins stated that the overflow is at the
inspection port and that a test pit would be necessary for groundwater elevation
data. The Commission discussed the overflow at the house and the test pit.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to June 17, 2014 at 7:00 pm
at the request of the applicant, 5-0 in favor.
9:21 pm Hearing – 17 Bryant Road, NOI
DEP# 201-937, BL 896
Applicant: Kenneth Ansin
Landscaping within the 100-foot Buffer Zone
Present for the applicant: Mark Piermarini, Whitman & Bingham Associates
Mr. Piermarini gave brief overview of the proposed work and submitted a
wetland report and landscape plan.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Kennedy asked if the Commission was approving the wetland line. Ms.
Miller asked for a clarification on the existing stone wall. The Commission
discussed structures within the 25-foot buffer zone and 50-foot buffer zone. Ms.
Mullins commented on the need for details of removal and grading.
The homeowner of 51 Sanderson Road commented on flooding in the area and
asked how the landscaping proposal would affect the neighboring areas.
The applicant was asked to check the floodplain in the area.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to June 17, 2014 at 7:00 pm
at the request of the applicant, 5-0 in favor.
9:48 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, Powderly and Sons
Mr. Powderly submitted revised plans for construction on site and explained the
proposed work.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Ms. Mullins gave a brief overview of the Commission’s suggestions from the
previous hearing and commented on the need for the plans to include a stamp
from the engineer and scales. Ms. Mullins also stated that the bounds markers
along the 25-foot buffer zone need to be installed. Mr. Kennedy asked about
plant sizes and test pit data. Ms. Warren asked about wetland seed mix.
Motion made and seconded to continue the hearing to June 17, 2014 at 7:00 pm
at the request of the applicant, 5-0 in favor.
9:57 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
Present for the applicant: Steve Eriksen, Norse Environmental Consultants
Mr. Eriksen gave an overview of the revised plans.
Comments from the Commission as follows:
Mr. Kennedy asked for a clarification on the bounds markers. Ms. Mullins asked
for clarification on the FEMA flood zone. Ms. Miller read the engineering
report.
Motion made and seconded to close the hearing, 5-0 in favor.
10:05 pm Motion made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, 5-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Tassi
Community Development Department Assistant