HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-10-ConCom-min
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PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Conservation Commission
___________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
This Conservation Commission meeting was held remotely via Zoom, an online meeting
platform. Public participation via calling in or using your computer was encouraged.
Commissioners Present: Kevin Beuttell, Duke Bitsko, Alexandra Dohan, Philip Hamilton
(Chair), Thomas Whelan; Not Present: Jason Hnatko and Ruth Ladd (Vice-Chair)
Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, and Megan Downer, Department Assistant
6:30 PM New Business/Pending Matters
Enforcement Update: 2 Village Circle
Ms. Nicole Ferrara, LEC Environmental, presented on behalf of the owners, BCM Development
who were also present. Ms. Ferrara stated that the enforcement order is in regards to unpermitted
vegetation removal onsite. LEC delineated the resource areas on site in March 2025. The entire
site is within the 200-foot Riverfront Area and there is Bordering Land Subject to Flooding
onsite as well. LEC is proposing 8,600 square feet of restoration plantings onsite including 8
native trees, 59 native shrubs, and a partially shaded seed mix. Ms. Ferrara stated that the soil
piles observed in the backyard have been removed. Activities conducted without permitting
include the installation of a gravel trench in the rear, a landing on the side of the stairs, a strip of
concrete below the deck to extend the patio, and the walkway was redone within the same
footprint.
Mr. Beuttell asked for clarification on how much space was disturbed in comparison to the
square footage proposed for restoration. Ms. Ferrara stated that since there is no record of what
was previously onsite in the proposed restoration area, they are estimating the space onsite for
restoration. Mr. Beuttell stated due to the lack of evidence for what was onsite prior to the
disturbances, and requests a larger restoration area and a higher number of mature plants
proposed.
Mr. Hamilton stated that the Bordering Land Subject to Flooding line is not noted on the
restoration plan and suggests the restoration remain closest to the Bordering Land Subject to
Flooding Line. Ms. Ferrera noted the location of the Bordering Land Subject to Flooding is noted
on the plan and agreed to including the area closer to the Bordering Land Subject to Flooding in
the restoration area.
Mr. Bitsko asked what the surface material was below the deck previously. Ms. Ferrera stated
that this area has always been a concrete surface.
Ms. Dohan asked for clarification on how many trees were removed and the size and quantity of
trees proposed. Ms. Ferrera stated the stumps were removed for all trees removed onsite and it is
uncertain exactly how many trees were removed. Eight trees are proposed that are a minimum of
four to six feet tall. Ms. Dohan stated the Commission would like to see a more robust planting
plan.
Mr. Whelan asked what material was previously used for the walkway up to the house which is
now all impervious. Ms. Ferrera stated that the walkway was done within the existing footprint
with new material and asked if stormwater management would be required. Mr. Hamilton stated
that the removal of the walkway would require stormwater calculations. Ms. Ferrera stated that
she will confirm if the deck was expanded. Mr. Hamilton suggested a Notice of Intent be filed
for the remainder of the work onsite.
Authorize expenditure in the amount of $1,250 from Chiesa Farm Trust Fund for June 2025
mowing
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to approve the expenditure amount for June.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Approve Minutes: 5/13/2025
This item is postponed to the 6/24/2025 meeting for a sufficient number of Commissioners to
review.
Request for Certificate of Compliance: 65 Cary Ave, DEP #201-1276, OpenGov COC-25-5,
CNOI-22-28, Vote to issue as an invalid Order of Conditions as requested by the
applicant/currently property owner since no work commenced and property changing ownership
Ms. Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, stated that the project was previously approved and
work has not been done onsite and will not be. Ms. Mullins stated that the property is changing
hands and the current owner can only close out the permit through the issuance of an Invalid
Order of Conditions.
On a motion by Mr. Bitsko and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to issue the Certificate of Compliance as an invalid Order of Conditions.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Vote to Issue Order of Conditions: 178 Waltham Street, DEP #201-1359, OpenGov CNOI-25-13
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to issue the order of conditions.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Schedule site visits: 6/24/2025 Meeting
The site visits will be scheduled for Saturday 6/21/2025 starting at 9:30am.
7:00 PM New Public Meetings/Hearings
Request for Determination of Applicability: 151 Old Spring Street
OpenGov Permit# CDOA-25-15
Applicant/Property Owner: The Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston
Project: Connection to the municipal drainage system associated with the construction of a new
building.
Documentation Submitted:
WPA Form 1 – Request for Determination of Applicability; Locus: 149-151 Old Spring
Street, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston; Prepared
by: Alan Loomis, McKenzie Engineering Group, Inc.; Date: 5/10/2025
Site Development Plan; Locus: 149-151 Old Spring Street, Lexington, MA; Prepared for:
Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston; Prepared by: McKenzie Engineering Group,
Inc.; Signed and Stamped by: Bradley C. McKenzie, Civil PE No. 36917 Date: 7/6/2023;
Last Revised: 6/3/2025
Drainage Calculations and Stormwater Management Plan; Locus: 149-151 Old Spring
Street, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Chinese Bible Church of Greater Boston; Not dated
Technical Review Letter #3; To: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director; From: McKenzie
Engineering Group, Inc. and Water Engineering, LLC; Date: 6/4/2025
Mr. Desheng Wang, Creative Land and Water Engineering, and Mr. Al Loomis, McKenzie
Engineering were present for the hearing. Mr. Wang stated that all technical issues have been
satisfactorily addressed. Mr. Loomis presented the plans and stated that they have developed a
low impact drainage plan. Mr. Loomis, stated that there was previously the construction of a
parking area onsite and crushed stone surfacing of the area and drainage swales are proposed.
Apex engineering has peer reviewed the new proposal and provided a satisfactory report.
Ms. Mullins stated that the Cambridge Water Department requested information regarding water
quality and the revised plans do address water quality. Ms. Mullins stated that their other
concerns were snow management and deicing onsite. Mr. Wang stated that the current septic
system onsite will be connected to the public sewer to address water quality and reduce the
runoff onsite. Mr. Wang stated that snow storage can occur between the upper and lower levels
of the parking lot and the water will go into the proposed swale in the parking lot. Mr. Hamilton
stated that the Cambridge Water Department requested that salt not be used as a deicer onsite.
Mr. Bitsko asked which type of events trigger the use of overflow parking and how often these
events occur. Mr. Wang stated that these events are large scale and do not happen often. The fire
department has requirements that involve a fire access path onsite as well to access the building.
On a motion by Mr. Bitsko and seconded by Ms. Dohan the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to issue a negative determination with conditions.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Continued Public Meetings/Hearings
Notice of Intent: 416 Concord Ave
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-25-5, DEP #201-1355
Applicant/Property Owner: Xiangyang Huang
Project: Construction of an addition and associated site appurtenances within the 100-foot Buffer
Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands.
Previous Hearing Dates: 4/8/2025, 4/29/2025 (no testimony), 5/27/2025 (no testimony)
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
None
*Applicant has requested a continuance without testimony to 6/24/2025
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to 6/24/2025, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Notice of Intent: 25 Valley Road
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-25-6, DEP #201-1354
Applicant/Property Owner: Wei Zhao
Project: Expansion of existing driveway and installation of a stormwater infiltration system and
associated site appurtenances within the 200-foot Riverfront Area, associated with the
construction of an addition.
Previous Hearing Dates:4/8/2025 (no testimony), 4/29/2025 (no testimony), 5/13/2025 (no
testimony), 5/27/2025
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
None
*Applicant has requested a continuance without testimony to 6/24/2025
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to 6/24/2025, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Notice of Intent: 11 Kay Tiffany Way
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-25-7, DEP #201-1353
Applicant/Property Owner: Robert Jackson
Project: Construction of a retaining wall, patio, and associated landscaping within the 100-foot
Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands.
Previous Hearing Dates: 4/8/2025, 4/29/2025, 5/13/2025 (no testimony)
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
NOI Permit Site Plan; Locus: 11 Kay Tiffany Way, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Krefta
Landscaping Inc.; Prepared by: Hancock Associates; Signed and Stamped by: Brian G.
Geaudreau, Civil PE No. 54495; Date: 3/17/2025; Last Revised: 5/21/2025
Landscape Plan; Locus: 11 Kay Tiffany Way, Lexington, MA; Prepared by: Krefta
Landscaping; Date: 5/21/2025
Mr. David Cowell, Hancock Associates, presented and stated that the original proposal includes
grading to level the backyard and install a patio onsite and a retaining wall. Mr. Cowell stated
that the wetlands have been reflagged onsite to accommodate for the more conservative line as
requested by the Commission. The patio and retaining wall and grading are no longer proposed
and the current proposal now includes landscaping onsite with native plantings.
Ms. Mullins asked to clarify why there is still erosion control barrier proposed in the area
without work occurring. Mr. Cowell stated that the erosion control barrier is no longer needed in
this location and will be removed from the plans. Mr. Cowell also presented the proposed
planting plan. Ms. Mullins asked if all of the invasive species will be ripped out, which would
require erosion control. Mr. Cowell stated that there will be repeat treatment of the invasive
species and does not anticipate earth disturbance from the invasive removal.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to close the hearing.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Notice of Intent: 47 Sanderson Road
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-25-8, DEP #201-1352
Applicant/Property Owner: Stacey Freda
Project: The Construction of a two-story addition and associated site appurtenances within the
100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands.
Previous Hearing Dates: 4/29/2025, 5/13/2025 (no testimony)
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
NOI Site Plan; Locus: 47 Sanderson Road, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Stacey Freda;
Prepared by: Hancock Associates; Signed and Stamped by: Brian G. Geaudreau, Civil PE
No. 54495; Date: 3/17/2025; Last Revised: 5/21/2025
Stormwater Report; Locus: 47 Sanderson Road, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Stacey
Freda; Prepared by: Hancock Associates; Signed and Stamped by: Brian G. Geaudreau,
Civil PE No. 54495; Date: 3/17/2025; Last Revised: 5/21/2025
Response to Engineering Comments 2; To: Lexington Conservation Commission; From:
Daniel J. Romero, Project Engineer, Hancock Associates; Date: 5/21/2025
Engineering Comments 3; Date: 6/6/2025
Mr. David Cowell, Hancock Associates, presented and stated that the wetland flags have been
revised to address the Commission’s request to reflect the more conservative wetland line onsite.
Mr. Cowell stated that off property disturbance due to a temporary skating rink was delineated
and the site appears to have been cleared in the past. A restoration planting plan and an invasive
species management plan is proposed for this offsite area. Mr. Cowell stated that Feno markers
are also proposed to prevent encroachment past the property line.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to close the hearing.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Notice of Intent: 4 Turning Mill Road
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-25-10, DEP #201-1357
Applicant/Property Owner: Grant Lacouture
Project: Raze and rebuild of a garage within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated
Wetlands.
Previous Hearing Dates: 4/29/2025, 5/13/2025 (no testimony), 5/27/2025
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
None
*Applicant has requested a continuance without testimony to 6/24/2025
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to 6/24/2025, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Request for Determination of Applicability: 4 Percy Road
OpenGov Permit# CDOA-25-12
Applicant/Property Owner: 4 Percy Road LLC
Project: Construction of a single-family house and associated site appurtenances, portions of
which fall within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands.
Previous Hearing Dates: 5/13/2025 (no testimony), 5/27/2025 (no testimony)
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
None
*Applicant has requested a continuance without testimony to 6/24/2025
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Whelan the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to 6/24/2025, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Notice of Intent: 12 Valley Road
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-25-12, DEP #201-XXXX
Applicant/Property Owner: Renan Barreto
Project: Raze and rebuild of a single-family home and associated site appurtenances within the
200-foot Riverfront Area and the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands.
Previous Hearing Dates: 5/13/2025 (no testimony), 5/27/2025 (no testimony)
*Applicant has requested a continuance without testimony to 6/24/2025
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Bitsko the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to 6/24/2025, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
New Public Meetings/Hearings, continued
Amendment to Order of Conditions: 611 Massachusetts Ave
OpenGov Permit# AOOC-25-1, DEP #201-1281
Applicant/Property Owner: Jim Wilson
Project: Plan Modifications including the relocation of the sewer and water service utility
connections, porous paver walkways, and changes to the stormwater management system within
the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands.
Documentation Submitted:
Request for Amended Order of Conditions; Locus: 611 Massachusetts Avenue,
Lexington, MA; Prepared for: 611 Mass Ave, LLC; Prepared by: LEC Consultants, Inc.;
Date: 5/20/2025
Drainage Plan; Locus: 611 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: 611
Mass Ave, LLC; Prepared by: Gala Simon Associates Inc.; Date: 9/25/2022; Last
Revised: 11/18/2024
Engineering Drainage Calculations; Locus: 611 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA;
Prepared for: 611 Mass Ave, LLC; Prepared by: Gala Simon Associates, Inc.; Date:
9/8/2022; Signed and Stamped by: Alberto M. Gala, Civil PE No. 36434; Last Revised:
11/18/2024
The applicant was not present for this hearing. Ms. Mullins stated that the project was awaiting
engineering review which has been provided. Ms. Mullins presented the proposed plans and the
engineering comments provided.
On a motion by Mr. Whelan and seconded by Ms. Dohan the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to close the hearing.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
On a motion by Mr. Whelan and seconded by Ms. Dohan the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to approve the amendment to the Order of Conditions.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
New Business/Pending Matters, continued
Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Gardens, Community Preservation Committee,
Enforcement Updates, Greenway Corridor Committee, Land Acquisition, Land Management,
Land Steward Directors, Tree Committee
None.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to adjourn the meeting.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Duke Bitsko – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
8:05pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Megan Downer
LUHD Department Assistant
Approved: 7/8/2025
Archived: 7/9/2025