HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-21-CONCOM-min
TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Tuesday February 21, 2017
6:30 P.M.
Hudson Room, Cary Hall
1605 Massachusetts Ave
Chair Philip Hamilton opened the meeting at 6:34pm in the Hudson Room of Cary Hall
Commissioners Present: Phil Hamilton, Duke Bitsko, Alex Dohan, Dick Wolk, David Langseth
Others present: Casey Hagerty, Conservation Department Assistant
6:34pm
Informal Hearing: 19 Douglas Road
Mike Capichetti of Meridian Associates explained that his client is exploring the possibility of
expanding the pervious paver patio on their property. The proposed patio would be expanded by
400 sq. ft. and will stay outside of the 25 ft. buffer. A small retaining wall would be added along
the patio.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The Commission asked for clarification regarding the surface of the patio. Mr. Capichetti
explained that they will be resurfacing the existing part of the patio as well so that the patio has a
uniform look.
The commission asked if a Certificate of Compliance was issued for the project in 2007. Mr.
Capichetti stated that he was unsure and will check into it.
The commission stated that they have some concerns about the patio going all the way up to the
25 ft. buffer. The commission said it would be difficult to navigate around the patio without
entering into the Do Not Disturb area.
6:45pm
Compliance discussion regarding 9 Luongo Farm Road, DET 13-08
Mr. Hamilton explained that the project has been reviewed by the Engineering Department and
they did not see any problems with the changes that were made.
Motion to issue a Certificate of Compliance made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Langseth.
Vote: 5-0 in favor.
6:47pm
Certificates of Compliance
The remaining Certificates of Compliance will be addressed at the next meeting.
6:47pm
Acknowledgement of Donation to the Lexington Nature Trust Fund in the amount of $750.00
from the Parker Family Fund at the Boston Foundation
Mr. Hamilton explained that the Lexington Nature Trust has received a donation from the Parker
Family Fund for $750.
Motion to accept the donation made by Mrs. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 5-0 in
favor.
6:48pm
Extend Order of Conditions for 3 years at the Old Reservoir, DEP 201-437, BL 393
The Commission will take this matter up after reviewing the monitoring reports.
6:50pm
Issue Order of Conditions for 180 East Emerson, DEP 201-1047, BL 1004
Motion to issue the Order of Conditions for 180 East Emerson Road made by Mrs. Dohan and
seconded by Mr. Bitsko. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
6:51pm
Approve minutes: 2/6/2017
This matter will be taken up at the next meeting.
6:51pm
Schedule Site Visits for the 3/6/2017 Meeting
Site visits were scheduled for March 4, 2017 at 9:30am.
6:52pm
Reports
There were no new reports.
Certification of Understanding Regarding Modification of Plan
Mr. Hamilton explained that the Commission is looking into ways to help applicants understand
that any changes in the proposed work must go in front of the Conservation Commission for
approval no matter how small in nature they may seem.
The commission stated they will review this statement and discuss it further at the next meeting.
6:55pm
Steep Slope Performance Standards Regulation Discussion
The commission is reviewing more stringent language for this regulation.
7:00 pm
DEP 201-1049, BL 1006
NOI, 99 Hancock Street, the Diamond School
Applicant/owner: Town of Lexington
Project: Hancock Street Driveway expansion
Ken DiNisco- DiNisco Associates and Fred King- Schofield Brothers Engineering
Mr. DiNisco explained that, as part of the Diamond School renovation, the Town wants to add a
third lane on the driveway to the school to help alleviate traffic concerns. The road will be
expanded by nine feet away from the wetlands.
Mr. King explained the existing conditions regarding the road. The road is currently draining
directly to the wetlands and not toward the catch basins. They will be able to meet all of the
MassDEP stormwater standards as well as the Town of Lexington standards through a series of
drainage systems. The proposed drainage systems have simple maintenance requirements. The
landscape plan for the project will be the same as for the rest of the site.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
Mr. Hamilton entered the Engineering Report into the record.
The commission asked for some details regarding the type of infiltration system that is being
proposed.
The commission clarified that inspection ports are being added to the infiltration system. Mr.
King stated that there will be inspection ports.
The commission asked the applicant to look into the use of porous pavement for the sidewalk
that is proposed. Mr. King said he would look into this option, but it would likely mean they
would cut back on an infiltration system.
Questions and comments from the audience:
Jim Lane, 6 Victory Garden Way, asked for clarification regarding the property lines shown on
the plan. Mr. King said that all work will be done within the town property. Mr. Lane also stated
concern about whether this project is necessary. Mr. Hamilton explained that the question was
not within the purview of the Conservation Commission and he should discuss that issue with
other boards.
An abutter present explained that there are many more abutters who wish to discuss this project
but are not present because it is school vacation week.
Motion to continue the hearing to 3/6/17 at the applicant’s request made by Mr. Wolk and
seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
8:18pm
DEP 201-1050, BL 1007
NOI, Route 2
Applicant/owner: Mass Department of Transportation
Project: Stormwater management improvements
Brian Cacavoro- Mass DOT, Jay Quattrocchi and Lori Manning- VHB
Mr. Cacavoro explained that as part of a statewide program, DOT is assessing their impact on
affected waterways. In Lexington, the waterways they are focusing on are Beaver Brook and the
Charles River Watershed.
Ms. Manning stated that they are proposing 11 BMPs along a stretch of Rte. 2 from the Pleasant
Street on/off ramps to the Lexington/Arlington Line. Six of the BMPs are within the jurisdiction
of the conservation commission. The six areas within jurisdiction have good soils for infiltration.
Thus their BMPs focused on this method. Ms. Manning walked the commission through each
BMPs and explained the details. The typical MassDOT landscape plan will be used in the areas
and the MassDOT invasive species management plan will be implemented.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
Mr. Hamilton entered the Engineering report into the record.
The commission asked if the existing and proposed catch basins have deep sumps. Ms. Manning
explained that they do not have deep sumps or hoods but they have sediment bays. She stated
that this improvement project is focused on phosphorous and they have other projects for
pathogen removal. The commission asked the applicant to look into the option of hoods on the
catch basins.
The commission asked for more details regarding landscaping plan and the invasive species
management plan. The applicant stated they will provide the commission with the MassDOT
plan.
The applicant confirmed that this project is outside of the Cambridge Reservoir Watershed.
Motion to continue the hearing to 3/6/2017 at the applicant’s request made by Mr. Wolk and
seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
CONTINUED MEETINGS/HEARINGS
8:18pm
DET 17-3
RDA, 95 Hayden Ave
Applicant: 95 Hayden LLC
Project: New light poles installation and corrective actions for previous work
Chris Gajeski- Meridian Associates
Mr. Gajeski explained that at this point, they are asking for permission to install the footings and
the new light fixtures. He submitted photos that demonstrated that the restoration areas are all
within existing lawn areas.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission stated that compost filter socks are their preferred method of erosion control,
but in this situation the straw waddles were acceptable.
The commission asked for clarification regarding the restoration area. The commission was
under the impression that the full area was being restored. Mr. Gajeski explained that they did
not propose restoration for the entire disturbed area because it was existing lawn. The
commission stated that the applicant should come back to the commission with a full restoration
plan.
The commission stated that they will allow the applicant to install new light fixtures and footings
and remove the old light fixtures in both areas, but the will need to come back to the commission
with a full restoration plan.
Motion to continue the hearing o 4/4/2017 at the applicant’s request made by Mrs. Dohan and
seconded by Mr. Wolk. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
8:50pm
DEP 201-939, BL 898
30 Oakmount Circle, Amended Order of Conditions
Applicant/owner: Copley Design
Modification to the house footprint and watershed areas and realign drainage systems
Motion to continue the hearing to 3/21/17 at the applicant’s request made by Mr. Wolk and
seconded by Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
8:51pm
DEP 201-1045, BL 10002
NOI, 288 Concord Ave
Applicant/owner: Thomas and Donna Denoto
Project: Home addition and driveway expansion
Dave Crossman- B and C Associates and Project engineer from Stamsky and McNary
Mr. Crossman explained that since the last meeting, they have provided an updated plan showing
the requested changes.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission stated that all trees to be removed on the property should be labeled.
The commission asked for more details regarding the planting in the area where the shed is to be
removed.
The commission explained that they typically see FENO markers along the 25 ft. buffer. Mr.
Crossman stated he would add them to the plan.
Motion to continue the hearing to 3/6/2017 at the applicant’s request made by Mrs. Dohan and
seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
9:08pm
DEP 201-1046, BL 1003
NOI, 52 Turning Mill Road
Applicant/owner: Jeong- Ju Cho
Project: Garage Addition
Mary Trudeau- wetlands scientist and Scott Henderson- project engineer
Ms. Dohan recused herself from the hearing.
Mr. Henderson explained they are proposing to add no impervious surface closer to the wetlands
than what is already existing. They have added an additional BMP along the driveway outlined
in the revised plan. Mr. Henderson explained that they looked on the property for other areas to
do infiltration, but the rest of the property was not suitable because of ledge and high ground
water.
Questions and comments from the commission:
The commission stated that although this project does meet all of their performance standards,
the project would benefit the wetlands because cars would no longer be parked directly next to
wetlands.
Despite the benefit to the wetlands, the commission felt that they needed to see an alternatives
analysis because the project does not meet their standards.
Motion to continue the hearing to 3/6/2017 at the applicant’s request made by Mr. Langseth and
seconded by Mr. Wolk. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
9:29pm
DEP 201-1043, BL 1000
NOI, 98 East Street
Applicant/owner: Sean and Jennifer Kennedy
Project: New covered entryway, woodshed, patio, and sports court
Motion to continue the hearing to 3/21/17 at the applicant’s request made by Mr. Langseth and
seconded by Mr. Wolk. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
9:29pm
DEP 201-1048, BL 1005
NOI, 85 Kendall Road
Owner/applicant: Feng Gao
Project: Home addition
Motion to continue the hearing to 3/6/17 at the applicant’s request made by Mr. Langseth and
seconded by Mr. Wolk. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
9:30pm
DEP 201-1044, BL 1001
NOI, 45, 55, 65 Hayden Ave
Applicant/owner: CRP/King Hayden Owner LLC, c/o King Street Properties
Project: Surface parking spaces expansion
Mike DiMinico- King Street Properties, Doug Hartnett- High Point Engineering, Project
Landscape Architect
Mr. Hartnett explained that they have met with the Engineering Department to review the plans.
They have done an inventory of all the mature trees on the site and have adjusted curb lines to
protect some trees. Additional area has been put aside as a “Do no mow” area and will be planted
with a Conservation seed mix. The snow management plan has been updated to include a few
more areas.
The stream channel restoration area has been modified to provide more detail. The planting pan
for the channel has been modified and a third check dam has been added. The initial culvert
sections will be inspected by hand and a jet would be used for the areas they are unable to reach.
The area that was in question by the Cambridge Water department has been adjusted to reflect
the use of pervious pavement so that a higher amount of phosphorous materials will be removed.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission asked for additional details about cleaning out the stream channel.
The commission stated that this project was an opportunity for the property owner to take steps
to do a more environmentally project such as a parking garage despite the fact that the project
meets the performance standards.
The commission asked for clarification regarding the plantings in the stream channel.
The commission asked for clarification regarding the invasive species removal.
Motion to close the hearing made by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Mr. Bitsko. Vote: 5-0 in
favor.
10:02pm
Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Casey Hagerty
Conservation Department Assistant
Approved 3/6/2017