HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-06-26-CONCOM-min TOWN OF LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
Monday June 26, 2017
6:30 P.M.
Parker Room, Town Office Building
1625 Massachusetts Ave
Chair Philip Hamilton opened the meeting at 6:30pm in the Parker Room
Commissioners Present: Phil Hamilton, Alex Dohan, Kevin Beuttell, Duke Bitsko, Dick Wolk,
David Langseth, Ruth Ladd
Others present: Casey Hagerty, Conservation Department Assistant
6:30pm
Request for Insignificant Plan Change at 132 Marrett Road, DET 17-5
Mr. Hamilton explained that this is a very minor change to the proposed drainage plan.
Motion to approve the insignificant plan change made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mrs.
Dohan. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
Request for Insignificant Plan Change at Concord Ave Sidewalk, DEP 201-930, BL 890
Mr. Hamilton explained that the plan change being requested is to use rip rap to stabilize the
slope rather than a vegetated slope. At this point the slope is stabilized.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission asked how steep the slope was. The applicant explained that it is about a 1:1
slope.
The commission stated that because of the steepness of the slope and because it is already
stabilized, they find this plan change acceptable.
Motion to approve the insignificant plan change made by Mr. Langseth and seconded by Mr.
Beuttell. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
6:34pm
Issue Certificates of Compliance: 63 Winter Street, DEP 201-1003, BL 960
Motion to issue the Certificate of Compliance made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Langseth.
Vote: 7-0 in favor.
Issue Certificates of Compliance: 29 Fairlawn Lane, DEP 201-1016, BL 973
Motion to issue the Certificate of Compliance made by Mrs. Dohan and seconded by Mr.
Beuttell. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
Issue Certificates of Compliance: 23 Oxbow Road, 201-993, BL 950
Motion to issue a Certificate of Compliance made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Ms. Ladd.
Vote: 7-0 in favor.
6:35pm
Compliance discussion: 22 Barberry Road, DEP 201-607, BL 566
Mr. Hamilton explained that this Order of Conditions was issued in 2004. The applicant is now
seeking certificate of compliance, but there are some changes that were not approved. Two pipes
were found to be outletting in the rear of the property.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission asked if there was erosion at the end of the pipes. Mr. Hamilton explained that
there is no erosion. The commission discussed whether erosion could become a problem in the
future. The commission said they would feel comfortable with a rip rap apron at the end of the
pipes consisting of 4-6 inch stones a foot wide and two feet long. The Commission would want
to see evidence that this was installed before they release the Certificate.
Motion to issue the Certificate of Compliance with additional conditions made by Mr. Langseth
and seconded by Mr. Wolk. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
6:43pm
Enforcement 5 Hadley Road
Mr. Hamilton explained that the homeowner is going to come in for a restoration hearing.
6:44pm
Approve minutes: 5/30/2017, 6/12/2017
Motion to approve minutes of 5/30/2017 made by Mrs. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Langseth.
Vote: 7-0 in favor.
The minutes of 6/12/2017 will be approved at the next meeting.
6:46pm
Schedule Site Visits for the 7/10/17 meeting
Site visits were scheduled for Sunday 7/9/17 at 9am.
6:47pm
There were no reports.
NEW MEETINGS/HEARINGS
6:49pm
DEP 201-1061, BL 1018
NOI, Dunback Meadow
Owner: Town of Lexington Engineering Department
Applicant: Town of Lexington
Project: Sewer lining repairs
Matt Weisman- Town Engineering department, Nathan Michael- Weston and Sampson
Mr. Weisman explained that the town is in the process of inspecting all of the sewer lines in
town. Weston and Sampson has been doing this work for the town for the past eight years. Last
summer, Weston and Sampson found a large sinkhole in Dunback Meadow.
Mr. Michael stated that this summer they want to permanently fix the sinkhole problem. They
are proposing to come in to Dunback Meadow from Franklin Field and line 600-800 ft. of the
sewer. They will use the existing path the entire way to avoid disturbance. In one area, they will
have to use timber mats to access the area.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission asked the applicant to describe the fueling process. Mr. Michael stated that all
of the bypass equipment will be kept behind the school. There will be a backup fuel pump and
the fuel tank will be double lined and completely contained.
The commission asked how fuel is transferred from the tank to the pumps. The Commission also
asked how the 500 gallon fuel tank would be refilled. Mr. Michael said he would provide more
details regarding this process.
The commission stated that they would want a condition that the fuel tank will be fully secured
with a fence around it as well as a condition that the pump will only run during working hours.
The commission stated that they will need to see a remediation plan for the area under the timber
mats.
Motion to continue the hearing until 7/10/2017 at the applicant's request made by Ms. Ladd and
seconded by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
7:08pm
DET 17-15
RDA, 6 Green Lane
Owner/applicant: Antonio and Lori Nardelli
Project: Second Story Addition
Antonio Nardelli- Homeowner
Mr. Nardelli explained that they want to put a second story onto the house to create an accessory
apartment. The addition would be in the footprint of the existing home.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission stated that it appeared that a second driveway was proposed. The commission
explained that the runoff from the driveway will have to be accounted for. Mr. Nardelli said he is
working with an engineer for details regarding a pervious paver driveway.
Motion to continue the hearing to 7/10/2017 at the applicant's request made by Ms. Ladd and
seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
7:19pm
DET 17-16
RDA, 6 Alcott
Owner/applicant: Drew Fudenberg and Geneen O'Brien
Project: Removal of chimney and deck and minor addition
Joseph Kennard- architect
Mr. Kennard explained that they are working with their client to renovate the interior of the
home as well as some minor exterior work. They are proposing a new patio in the place of an
existing patio. Two small landings will be added at the exterior doors.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission stated that under the Lexington regulations, an applicant could not take credit
for removing impervious surface. Because the proposed patio is over 100 sq. ft. it is subject to
stormwater regulations.
The applicant provided the commission with an alternate plan with the patio removed. Mr.
Kennard explained that at this point they are going to eliminate the patio and talk with the
applicant about what they want to do.
The commission clarified that they are going to approve the modified plan.
Motion to issue a Negative Determination with conditions made by Mr. Langseth and seconded
by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
7:35pm
DEP 201-1015, BL 972
AOOC, 435-439 Lincoln
Owner/applicant: North Shore Residential Development
Project: Amend language of Order of Conditions to reflect a restrictive covenant rather than
Conservation Restriction
Ron Lopez- North Shore Residential Development
Mr. Lopez explained that they are proposing to change the language of the Order of Conditions
to reflect a restrictive covenant rather than a Conservation Restriction. He explained that this
agreement would just be between the condo development and the town rather than including the
state.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
Mr. Hamilton explained that Town Counsel has reviewed the proposed language and has
approved it. The Restrictive Covenant will have language regarding ongoing perpetuity of the
covenant.
Motion to close the hearing made by Mrs. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 7-0 in
favor.
Motion to issue the Amended Order of Conditions made by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mrs.
Dohan. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
Continued Meetings/Hearings
7:39pm
DET 17-9
RDA, 19 Baskin Road
Owner/applicant: Nick Yang
Project: Home addition
Mr. Hamilton entered the engineering report into the record.
Motion to issue a Negative Determination with Conditions made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by
Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
7:43pm
DET 17-13
RDA, 40 North Street
Applicant/Owner: Daniela Rohne-Garlapati
Project: Utility work and additional pavement
Daniela Rohne- Homeowner, Dr. Chang- Engineer
Ms. Rohne explained that she has worked with an engineer and architect to submit drainage
calculations. She will be mitigating for the driveway as well as the home addition.
Mr. Hamilton entered the engineering report into the record.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission stated that they want the engineering departments concerns about soil test pits
addressed before issuing the permit.
Motion to continue the meeting to 7/10/2017 at the applicant's request made by Mr. Langseth
and seconded by Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
7:57pm
DET 17-15
RDA, 27-29 Hartwell Ave
Applicant/Owner: Timothy White, Alexandria Real Estate Equities
Project: Two small additions and site work
David Kelly- Kelly Engineering Group and Tim White- Alexandria Properties
Mr. Kelly reminded the Commission that the project involves some minor site work and a drain
connection. There are no wetlands in the area. Since the last meeting, they have revisited the
stormwater analysis and have addressed the commission' concerns. Mr. Kelly stated that they are
proposing to do test pits at the time of construction and if the soils they find are not favorable,
they will return to the commission.
Mr. Hamilton entered the engineering report into the record.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission stated that it is the applicant's risk if the soils are not favorable.
Motion to issue a Negative Determination with conditions made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by
Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
8:12pm
DET 16-8
RDA, 90 Grant Street
Owner/applicant: J and N Design and Build
Project: Request to amend approve drainage plan
John McGeogh- owner, Bob Bibbo- surveyor, Dr. Chang-project engineer
Mr. McGeogh explained that they are in front of the commission to amend the originally
approved drainage plan. Because of the amount of blasting that was needed on the site, there
were more opportunities for infiltration on the site. There is now a 30 ft. wall behind each house
that has been backfilled with material from the blasting. The water will be directed to this area
behind the homes and infiltrated through the rock. From there, it will travel to the dry wells on
site. They were able to drastically reduce the amount of drywells that were needed on site.
Mr. Hamilton entered the engineering report into the record.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission asked what happens if the water does not stay behind the houses. Mr. McGeogh
explained that the way the houses were constructed would allow the water to slowly dissipate
from behind the houses if needed. In an emergency situation, there will still be a connection to
the town drainage system.
The commission asked if there was a chance of the water freezing. Mr. McGeogh explained that
the depth is below the frostline and the heat from the foundation of the home will keep it warm.
The commission asked if the waterproofing from the house may break in the future. Mr.
McGeogh explained that the manufacturer has told him that the waterproofing will hold up in the
future and there are other back up controls as well.
The commission asked for analysis on the gradation of the rock. They want to know the void
ratio. Mr. McGeogh stated he will provide this information.
The commission requested details of how the water will be directed to the dry wells on site.
Motion to continue the hearing to 7/10/2017 at the applicant's request made by Mr. Wolk and
seconded by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
8:51pm
DEP 201-1057, BL 1014
NOI, Old Mill Road
Owner: North Shore Residential Development and City of Cambridge
Applicant: North Shore Residential Development
Project: Improve an existing trail
Motion to continue the hearing to 7/10/2017 at the applicant's request made by Mrs. Dohan and
seconded by Ms. Ladd. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
8:52pm
DEP 201-XXXX, BL XXXX
NOI, 758 Marrett Road
Owner/Applicant: Minuteman Vocational Regional and Technical High School
Project: Raze and rebuild of existing school building and associated site work
Steve Garvin- Samiotes Consultants
Mr. Garvin explained that he has responded to the comments brought up by the commission at
the last meeting as well as the comments brought up by the peer reviewer. Mr. Garvin went
through each of the issues and provided clarification.
The town's peer reviewer, Dave Nyman of CEI, stated he is comfortable with everything done to
date. He has provided the commission with a few sample conditions he recommends to be
included in the order. He stated that they still must review the run off volume amounts.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commissioners stated that there were still some issues that had not been addressed such as
the grading plan and the roadway within the 25 ft. buffer.
The commission requested curbing or some other form of protection from snow plowing.
The commission requested a wildlife impact study because the lights are so close to the wetlands.
The commission stated that they would like to see a training plan for school staff for how to
maintain the BMPs on site.
Questions and comments from the public:
Jamie O'Connell of the Cambridge Water Department had a few questions for the applicant that
were satisfactorily answered.
Motion to continue the hearing to 7/10/2017 at the applicant's request made by Mr. Wolk and
seconded by Ms. Ladd. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
9:44pm
DEP 201-1060, BL 1017
NOI, 420/430 Bedford Street
Applicant: Leslie Knowles, Boston Properties
Owner: Elandzee Trust c/o Boston Properties
Project: Parking Lot Improvements
Chris Thompson- BSC Group, Leslie Knowles- Boston Properties
Mr. Thompson explained that they have revised their plans since the last meeting. They have
added some grass strips where possible and reduced impervious cover by 17%. He stated they
are complying with MassDEP standards for a redevelopment project. He stated that the applicant
understands they will need to provide an as-built plan to show they have not lost any flood
storage.
Questions and comments from the commission:
The commission asked why the islands were proposed as raised rather than depressed. He
explained that depressed islands would lead to a loss of flood storage.
The commission asked how many water treatment units were added. Mr. Thompson answered
they added two units; one is in the main lot and one is on the driveway.
The commission asked for details regarding the snow storage plan. Mr. Thompson explained that
the snow is hauled off site once snow storage on site is full.
Motion to close the hearing made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Beuttell. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
9:56pm
DEP 201-1058, BL 1015
NOI, 167,173,177 Cedar Street
Owner: Peter and Susan Staeker
Applicant: 167,173,177 Cedar Street LLC
Project: Activities associated with a subdivision roadway construction
Mike Novak- Meridian Engineering, Ben Finnegan- Finnegan Development
Mr. Novak stated that they got approval from the planning board for the ten lot subdivision. With
this filing, they are just seeking approval for the road and associated drainage. Four infiltration
units will be used for the roadway and some portions of the houses.
Questions and comments from the Commission:
The commission asked for clarification regarding the rip rap in the back of the lots. Mr. Novak
stated they will provide details regarding this. The commission stated that they would like to see
some kind of seeding on the wall.
The commission asked if all lots were under 50% disturbance. Mr. Novak answered that all lots
were under 50%. Lot 9 is close to the 50% mark but they will be able to stay under.
The commission stated they would like to see a planting plan for the infiltration basins.
Mr. Hamilton entered the engineering report into the record.
Motion to continue the hearing to 7/10/2017 at the applicant's request made by Ms. Ladd and
seconded by Mrs. Dohan. Vote: 7-0 in favor.
10:15pm
Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Wolk and seconded by Mr. Langseth. Vote: 7-0 in favor. A
Respectfully Submitted,
Casey Hagerty
Conservation Department Assistant
Approved 7/24/2017