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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-10-ConCom-min.pdf Meeting broadcasted by LexMedia PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Conservation Commission ___________________________________________________________________________ AGENDA Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, 6:30 p.m. This Conservation Commission meeting was held remotely via Zoom, an online meeting platform. Public participation via calling in or using a computer was encouraged. Commissioners Present: Kevin Beuttell, Duke Bitsko (joined late), Alexandra Dohan, Philip Hamilton, Ruth Ladd (Chair), and Thomas Whelan; Not Present: Jason Hnatko Associate Commissioner present: Tom Olivier Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, and Megan Guardado, Department Assistant; 6:30 PM New Business/Pending Matters 4 Trotting Horse Drive, Mitigation Plan Review Mr. Tom Hughes, Hughes Environmental Consulting, presented and stated that four trees that were assessed to be hazardous were removed without the Commission’s approval. Mr. Hughes stated that mitigation for the removed trees includes an additional eight saplings to be planted. Mr. Hughes also stated that the plan provided does not include the invasive species management to be done on site as he needs further time to inspect the site without snow cover to plan for the invasive species removal to be done. Ms. Ladd stated one tree removed is over the property line and asked if the neighbor had given permission for this tree to be removed. Mr. Hughes stated that this pine tree was removed without the neighbor’s prior permission. Mr. Chris Chan-Tse, Gold Beech Construction, stated he spoke with the neighbor and explained the tree removal process and that a new pine tree will be planted in place of the removed tree and the neighbor agreed to this. Mr. Beuttell stated the plan is reasonable and that he would like to see the specific restoration proposal submitted for evaluation. Ms. Dohan stated that replanting should be specifically noted in the new plan with the invasive species removal, to ensure the invasive species do not grow back. Mr. Hughes stated that he plans to replant and has included details in the mitigation letter submitted. Further details will be provided once an updated plan is able to be produced. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll vote to approve the proposed plantings to mitigate for the removed trees pending additional information to be provided regarding the mitigation plans. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Philip Hamilton – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye Arlington’s Great Meadows Turtle Survey Proposal, Zoo New England’s Field Conservation Mr. John Berkholtz, Senior Field Conservationist, Zoo New England, presented and stated that they are focusing research at this time on rare species surveys in urban and suburban areas. Mr. Berkholtz stated that Arlington’s Great Meadows has not previously been surveyed for turtles. A previous biodiversity study had been done onsite which did note a few turtle species to be present including spotted turtles. Mr. Berkholtz stated that they would like to conduct a presence/absence survey of spotted turtles and other rare species in Arlington’s Great Meadows. Traps will be set during the week and checked daily. They will submit a report at the end of the year to the Commission of their findings. If a robust population is found, they may return to conduct further studies. Trap locations will be determined depending on water levels onsite and the survey will be conducted in May 2026. Ms. Ladd expressed her excitement about the study results and asked if traps will be set in both vernal pools onsite. Mr. Berkholtz stated that spotted turtles utilize vernal pools and they will be setting traps in the vernal pools onsite. Mr. Beuttell asked if the team is confident that they will be able to find a population with the traps being set for only a few weeks period. Mr. Berkholtz stated that based on the number of traps, they should find spotted turtles within the timeframe proposed. Mr. Olivier asked if any fatalities or injuries to the turtles have occurred with the traps they use. No fatalities or injuries have occurred to turtles with the traps they have used except a singular incident in which a deer ran into a trap, and this resulted in a turtle drowning. Mr. Olivier asked if other wildlife have been attracted to the bait used in the traps. Mr. Berkholtz stated that fish, frogs and on rare occasion water snakes have been caught in these traps in the past. Mr. Whelan asked where the funding was received from. Mr. Berkholtz stated that this project specifically is not grant funded and will be done with their agency funds. Enforcement: 42 Winthrop Road, Restoration Plan This item will be addressed during the Hearing for the Amended Order of Conditions for this property. 7:00 PM New Public Meetings/Hearings Amendment to Order of Conditions: 42 Winthrop Road OpenGov Permit# AOOC-26-1, DEP #201-1265 Applicant/Property Owner: Shigemi and Masazumi Nagai Project: Plan modifications in response to enforcement action, including removing a walkway and a portion of gravel driveway that was not approved in the order, adding a trench drain and a subsurface stone infiltration system, and installing the original limit of work boundary in preparation of compliance with restoration per enforcement action within the 200-foot Riverfront Area. Documentation Submitted: ⎯ Stormwater Management Report; Locus: 42 Winthrop Rd, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Shigemi and Masazumi Nagai; Prepared by: Stamski and McNary; Date: 7/5/2022; Revised: 2/13/2026 ⎯ Wetland Permitting Plan; Locus: 42 Winthrop Rd, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Shigemi and Masazumi Nagai; Prepared by: Stamski and McNary; Date: 2/13/2026 ⎯ Request to Amend Order of Conditions; Locus: 42 Winthrop Rd, Lexington, MA; To: Conservation Commission; From: Paul Kirchner and George Dimakarakos, Stamski and McNary; Date: 2/13/2026 ⎯ Site Plan; Locus: 42 Winthrop Rd, Lexington, MA; Prepared by: Stamski and McNary; Prepared for: Nagai; Date: 2/27/2026; Revised: 3/1/2026 ⎯ Engineering Comments; Date: 3/3/2026 Mr. Paul Kirchner, Stamski and McNary, presented and Ms. Cyndi Sherman, applicant’s attorney, was also present. Mr. Kirchner stated that a Certificate of Compliance has been requested and after reviewing this request, discrepancies were found between the as-built conditions and the plan approved through the Order of Conditions. The Commission has issued an enforcement order and requested that an Amended Order of Conditions be applied for in order to approve changes onsite and provide a mitigation plan. The lawn area was expanded beyond what was approved and is proposed to be restored to a natural condition. Mr. Kirchner stated that Dave Crossman from B&C Associates has helped create a restoration plan which includes restoration plantings, invasive species management, and Feno bounds to be installed onsite. Ms. Mullins asked the Commission if they would like to set a schedule for the restoration efforts and if there were any approval conditions they would require. Ms. Ladd suggested that the Commission request all plantings to be completed by May 31st, 2026, and if all restoration plantings are implemented by then, 2026 can be counted as the first year of the required monitoring with a return to the site in the fall for monitoring. Ms. Ladd also stated that each annual report should be submitted to the Commission by November 15th for each year of monitoring. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll vote to approve the restoration plan. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Philip Hamilton – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye Mr. Kirchner stated that discrepancies onsite that were not approved by the Commission included expansion of the lawn, construction of a driveway loop in an unapproved location, construction of a walkway, a portion of the stormwater management system had not been installed, and a crushed stone patio was installed in the rear of the house. Mr. Kirchner stated that the leg of the driveway is proposed for removal to return to lawn area, the driveway loop is proposed to remain, and an infiltration system is now proposed onsite along with two infiltration trenches at the rear of the dwelling. A report from the Engineering Department notes that the proposal is in compliance with the Town’s standards. Mr. Beuttell asked for further information on the proposed trench drain such as if the trench drain is catching the runoff from the gravel driveway. Mr. Beuttell also noted the proposed trench drain is typically prone to clogging and requires more maintenance and asked Mr. Kirchner to speak to this as maintenance would be difficult to ensure by the average homeowner. Mr. Kirchner stated that the trench drain is proposed to catch runoff from the driveway and that the driveway consists of ornamental stone which is cleaner and he expects less sediment particles. Mr. Beuttell stated that pretreatment before infiltration is state standard and he does not see this in the scope of the proposed design. Ms. Mullins stated that a sediment basin sump has been a standard condition in recent years and the Engineering Department reviews it to ensure that the proposed calculations meet the standards. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to close the hearing. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Philip Hamilton – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye Ms. Mullins stated that the original Order of Conditions did not have a sump requirement which will be an added condition under the Amendment. On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Ms. Dohan the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to issue the Amended Order of Conditions. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Philip Hamilton – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye Continued Public Meetings/Hearings Notice of Intent: 251 Waltham Street (Lexington High School) OpenGov Permit# CNOI-26-4, DEP #201-1387 Applicant/Property Owner: Michael Cronin, Town of Lexington School Building Committee Project: Demolition of the existing high school building, athletic fields and parking lot, construction of a new school building, athletic fields, parking lot, landscaping, and associated site appurtenances, within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands, Isolated Land Subject to Flooding and Isolated Vegetated Wetlands. Previous Hearing Date: 2/24/2026 Supplemental Documentation Submitted: ⎯ None *Mr. Bitsko joined the meeting during this hearing. Ms. Erin Prestileo, Civil Engineer from SMMA, was present and stated that several project team members were present for this hearing including representatives from Dore & Whittier, Mr. Michael Cronin, Town of Lexington Director of Public Facilities, Mr. Peter Rebuck, SMMA, Diana Walden, BSC Group, and Paul Martin, BSC Group. Mr. Peter Rebuck, SMMA, presented and stated that the project team has provided responses to the Commission’s comments from the last meeting. Mr. Rebuck stated that Wetland 7 and 8 Catchment Map current conditions and proposed conditions have been provided. The supplemental materials provided also include a memo with narrative and pre/post development calculations for the changes proposed to Wetlands 7 and 8. Ms. Diana Walden, BSC Group, stated that Wetland 7 was assessed and it was determined that it will provide similar interests post development including flood control, storm damage prevention, pollution prevention, groundwater supply and exchange, and wildlife habitat. The replication area proposed would also provide similar post development interests. Mr. Rebuck presented the cross sections for all wetlands onsite and stated that the building and the road present at Wetland 1 will be replaced with a bioretention area with a boardwalk over it and plantings. Mr. Rebuck also stated that a berm would be created between Wetland 2 and 3. Mr. Beuttell asked for a more technical cross-section plan that directly shows the existing grades and the proposed grades and further information regarding the soil to be brought in for wetland replication. Ms. Walden stated that these details have been provided in the original submittals of the replication plans and that an elevation matrix on the side of the cross sections provided. Ms. Ladd stated that she was unable to find the spot grades on the plans provided. Mr. Rebuck stated that spot grades should be listed on sheets 600 and 601 of the provided plans. Mr. Rebuck stated that the elevations within the wetlands are limited on their plans as they have limited data on this from the surveyor since they were not doing work within the wetlands. Ms. Ladd asked for the data for the elevations of the wetlands itself rather than at the wetland flags to be provided. Mr. Whelan asked if the Commission had numbers in mind and locations for the grades to be added to the plans. Ms. Ladd stated that wherever there is a replication area in wetlands, every twenty feet should have elevation noted. Ms. Ladd asked what the bump outs on the boardwalk are proposed to be. Mr. Paul Martin, BSC Group, stated those are viewing areas for nature classrooms and will have benches. Mr. Bitsko asked what the footings for the boardwalk would be as the plan details list concrete footings. Mr. Rebuck stated those will be helical piles and they will update the details on the plans. Mr. Bitsko asked that all plantings proposed be native species in consideration of the previous efforts of the Town volunteers who spent multiple years finding funding for native species plantings onsite. Ms. Ladd noted that all plantings within 100 feet of the Wetlands should be native species. Ms. Ladd asked if buttonbush is proposed in Wetland 2 and Wetland 7. Ms. Walden stated that buttonbush is proposed in those locations and she has spoken with their landscape architect who has an ecological background and he has seen success in these being planted. Ms. Ladd also noted that the Commission does not approve of cultivars and prefers straight natives. Apex has been selected to conduct the Peer Review for this project. Ms. Leiticia Hom, 175 Grove Street, stated that a letter has been submitted to request the Commission require independent soil studies as part of the peer review process. Ms. Hom asked for additional soil samplings in the wetlands and that all test pits be verified by a representative from the Conservation Commission. Ms. Prestileo asked if this would be common practice for additional soil sampling and testing to be done. Ms. Mullins stated that this would be determined by the peer review if they advised further soil sampling and testing and the Conservation Commission and Conservation Department do not oversee this. Mr. Rebuck stated that the soil testing onsite has been overseen by both the geotechnical engineer and soil tester and all details have been provided in the stormwater report. Mr. Martin stated that geotechnical areas within upland areas are not within the Commission’s jurisdiction. On a motion by Mr. Hamilton and seconded by Ms. Dohan the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to 3/31/2026, at the applicant’s request. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Duke Bitsko – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Philip Hamilton – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye Notice of Intent: 26 Watertown Street OpenGov Permit# CNOI-25-26, DEP #201-1376 Applicant/Property Owner: Eduardo Marfurte, Dalto’s Construction, Inc. Project: Raze and rebuild of a single-family dwelling and associated site appurtenances within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bank of a Pond. Previous Hearing Dates: 10/28/2025, 11/10/2025 (no testimony), 11/25/2025 (no testimony), 12/16/2025 (no testimony), 1/6/2026 (no testimony), 1/27/2026 (no testimony), 2/10/2026 (no testimony), 2/24/2026 (no testimony) Supplemental Documentation Submitted: ⎯ None Ms. Ladd stated that the applicant has withdrawn this application without prejudice. Notice of Intent: 475 Bedford Street OpenGov Permit# CNOI-25-35, DEP #201-1383 Applicant/Property Owner: Essek Petrie, Pulte Homes of New England Project: Demolition of the existing buildings onsite, construction of three multi-family residential buildings and parking lot, landscaping, trail connection, wetland replication, and associated site appurtenances, within Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and Isolated Vegetated Wetlands and within the 100-foot Buffer Zone from Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and Isolated Vegetated Wetlands. Previous Hearing Dates: 1/27/2026, 2/10/2026 (no testimony), 2/24/2026 (no testimony) Supplemental Documentation Submitted: ⎯ Response to Conservation Commission Comments: Fieldside at Lexington, 475 Bedford Street, Lexington; To: Ruth Ladd, Chair; From: Scott Morrison VHB; Date: 3/2/2026 ⎯ Site Plans: Locus: 475 Bedford St, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Pulte Homes of New England; Prepared by: VHB; Date: 12/1/2025; Revised: 2/27/2026 ⎯ Shadow Study; Locus: Fieldside at Lexington; Prepared for: Site Plan Review; Date: 11/3/2025 ⎯ Snow Storage Plan; Locus: 475 Bedford St, Lexington, MA; Prepared by: VHB; Date: 11/21/2025; Revised: 2/23/2026 ⎯ Site Lighting Photometric Plan; Locus: 475 Bedford St, Lexington, MA; Prepared by: Apex Lighting Solutions and VHB; Date: 12/1/2025 ⎯ Site Lighting Details Plan; Locus: 475 Bedford St, Lexington, MA; Prepared by: VHB; Date: 12/1/2025 ⎯ Response to Peer Review Comments Memo; To: Lexington Planning Board; From: Peter Mara, VHB; Date: 2/23/2026 Mr. Hamilton stated that he has recused himself from participating in discussion or voting on this application. Mr. Scott Morrison, VHB, presented and Mr. Essek Petrie, Pulte Homes, and Mr. Dale Horsman and Mr. Peter Mara, VHB, were also present for this hearing. Mr. Morrison responded to comments raised in the previous hearing, including that the Operation and Maintenance plan was revised to note that the developer and the future homeowners association would be responsible for maintenance. A conservation seed mix is proposed in the 25-foot buffer zone planting area and shrubs are to be planted along the slope. Mr. Morrison also stated that a pollinator meadow would be installed to the south of the proposed trail, and loam and seed lawn is proposed to be installed on the other side of the trail for residents’ recreational use. A shadow study and a lighting study have now been provided to the Commission. Mr. Morrison stated that further comments were provided by staff one day prior to this meeting and they will work on responses to these comments. Mr. Beuttell stated that the Commission would include a condition for a legal mechanism of transfer of responsibility of maintenance onsite in the Order of Conditions if the applicant does not wish to provide this first. Mr. Morrison stated that they can provide this information. Ms. Ladd asked if there are any spot grades that follow the wetland along the righthand side and at the top of the plan. Mr. Morrison stated that there are spot grades on the plans and there is a slight slope to the grade behind the building and as it comes around the right side of the building. Mr. Horsman stated that grading goes from north and slopes south across the site. Ms. Ladd noted that it would be beneficial to remove the bump between the replication area and the wetland. Ms. Ladd asked where Feno bounds will be installed on the site. Mr. Morrison stated that Feno bounds can be installed and that a plan that includes locations of Feno markers and signage onsite can be provided. Ms. Ladd asked for a stormwater management plan to be established regarding snow management onsite such as a rain garden. Ms. Ladd asked if the 100-year floodplain line is onsite. Mr. Morrison stated that there is a 500- year flood zone that falls on a small portion of the site and that they will be updating the plan with the flood zones marked. Ms. Mullins stated that the July 8, 2025, FEMA data should be used for updating the site plan with the flood zone and that there is an elevation for the site. Ms. Lisa Newton, 15 Ledgelawn Ave, asked if the flood zone onsite is based on the new FEMA floodplain maps. She also asked for clarification regarding the requirements for firetruck access within the 25-foot buffer zone and if a waiver is needed for this. Mr. Morrison stated that there is a requirement for firetruck access at the rear of the building. Ms. Ladd stated that firetruck access is proposed within the 25-foot buffer zone. Ms. Newton asked if this meets requirements of the 25-foot buffer zone. Ms. Ladd stated that this does not meet the 25-foot buffer zone requirements. Ms. Newton asked if the Commission could consider requiring a smaller building be proposed to account for the firetruck access to not be within the 25-foot buffer zone. The plans need to be updated with the latest FEMA flood zone data. Ms. Vida Baterina, 175 Grove Street, asked where the detention basins are. Mr. Morrison stated that there is an open stormwater basin proposed to the east of the proposed buildings and the remaining stormwater management would be subsurface. The subsurface infiltration system will be built beneath the porous pavement between the buildings. Ms. Baterina requests that further soil borings be done onsite in the presence of a representative of the Commission. Ms. Baterina also stated concern that the stormwater management systems onsite will be insufficient for the buildings proposed. Mr. Morrison stated that the project is currently being peer reviewed by an engineer as requested by the Commission to review the stormwater management proposed. Mr. Horsman stated that the stormwater basins have been built according to all bylaw setbacks. Ms. Leiticia Hom, 175 Grove Street, stated that she has submitted a letter requesting the Commission require independent soil studies onsite as part of the peer review process. Ms. Mullins stated that the peer reviewer from GCG is present for the meeting if the Commission would like to have him speak to this. Mr. Mike Carter, the peer reviewer from GCG, stated that the review has included the review of the test soils with respect to the groundwater. Mr. Carter stated that he would recommend a condition that the porous pavement area’s water table be confirmed to be at 121 at the time of construction. Ms. Hom stated that the foundations are a concern if they are cutting into the water table. Mr. Mara stated that the slab proposed is designed to meet the minimum separation required by the Town. Ms. Mullins asked if the foundation drains are tied into any of the systems and accounted for in the calculations. Mr. Carter stated that the foundation drains are included as a precautionary inclusion and the building will be built according to the state building code. Mr. Mara stated that the foundation drains are not tying into the subsurface infiltration systems or surface systems and only tying into the drainpipes leading to the outfalls. Ms. Mullins asked why these drains are being installed if not needed. Mr. Morrison stated that these are required by building code to be included. Ms. Ladd asked what would happen if the groundwater under the porous pavement was higher than anticipated. Mr. Horsman stated that there are existing infiltration drywells that support the current parking lot and are managing the stormwater. Mr. Horsman stated if the groundwater were to become higher, the porous pavement can be lined and sub-drained. Ms. Ladd stated that these issues would not exist if building three could be smaller to allow for adequate fire access to the building. Ms. Ladd also noted that two of the isolated wetlands are proposed to be filled and this will also lose the associated buffer zone and asked what is proposed to offset this loss. Mr. Morrison stated that the pavement to be removed and restored to meadow and grass is proposed as improvements onsite. On a motion by Mr. Whelan and seconded by Ms. Dohan the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to 4/14/2026, at the applicant’s request. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Duke Bitsko – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Philip Hamilton – Recused Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye Notice of Intent: 328 Lowell Street OpenGov Permit# CNOI-26-1, DEP #201-1385 Applicant/Property Owner: Melissa Battite, Town of Lexington Project: Construction of a natural grass athletic field, ADA accessible walkways, stormwater improvements and associated site appurtenances within locally regulated Isolated Vegetated Wetland (IVW) and within the 100-foot buffer zone from Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and from the IVW. Previous Hearing Dates: 2/10/2026, 2/24/2026 (no testimony) Supplemental Documentation Submitted: ⎯ Permitting Documents; Locus: Town of Lexington Maple Street Fields, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Town of Lexington; Prepared by: Activitas; Signed and Stamped by: Megan Buczynski, Civil PE No. 47392; Date: 1/20/2026; Revised: 3/2/2026 Mr. Ben McDonough, Activitas, presented, and Ms. Meg Buczynski, Activitas, and Ms. Melissa Batitte, Town of Lexington Recreation, were also present. Mr. McDonough stated that the project team met with the Town Engineering Department after the supplemental submittal deadline and a small revision has been made to the supplemental revised version of the plan to address comments from Engineering. Mr. McDonough stated that the existing system was in the field and a pipe has been routed along the left side of the field to provide manhole access to the existing system for any maintenance to the subsurface system. Mr. McDonough also stated that the waterline in the upper righthand (map view) of the field is now proposed to be routed outside of the existing field. Wetland replication details have been provided on sheet L5.4 at the request of the Commission. Mr. McDonough asked if the Commission would be amenable to the wetland replication area being moved from the originally proposed site and asked the Commission’s input on what method of mitigation would be preferred. Ms. Ladd asked the Commission if they would like to visit the site in their next round of site visits to review the newly proposed areas for mitigation. Ms. Dohan expressed she would prefer to keep any healthy native trees when possible. Mr. Whelan expressed his agreement with Ms. Dohan and Ms. Ladd. Ms. Buczynski stated that the Commission has last visited for the RDA application and stated that a follow-up site visit can be scheduled. Mr. Bitsko agrees a site visit would be helpful at this point and asked if Activitas could flag where the replication areas are onsite prior to the site visit. On a motion by Mr. Hamilton and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to 3/31/2026, at the applicant’s request. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Duke Bitsko – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Philip Hamilton – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye Notice of Intent: 118 Kendall Road OpenGov Permit# CNOI-26-2, DEP #201-1388 Applicant/Property Owner: Thamara Martins, CNT Property Improvements Corp. Project: Construction of two rear additions, a rear balcony, a patio, and front porch to a single- family dwelling, and associated site appurtenances, within the 200-foot Riverfront Area, Bordering Land Subject to Flooding, the 100-foot buffer zone from Inland Bank and Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and the 100-foot buffer zone from Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (Local Code). Previous Hearing Date: 2/24/2026 Supplemental Documentation Submitted: ⎯ None *Applicant has requested a continuance of the hearing without testimony from 3-10-2026 to 3- 31-2026 On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to 3/31/2026, at the applicant’s request. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Duke Bitsko – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Philip Hamilton – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye Notice of Intent: 131 Hartwell Avenue OpenGov Permit# CNOI-26-3, DEP #201-1386 Applicant/Property Owner: JLB Realty LLC Project: Demolition of the existing building onsite, construction of a multi-family residential building and parking garage, landscaping, and associated site appurtenances, with portions of the project within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands. Previous Hearing Date: 2/24/2026 Supplemental Documentation Submitted: ⎯ None *Applicant has requested a continuance of the hearing without testimony from 3-10-2026 to 3- 31-2026 On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Beuttell, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll call vote to continue the hearing to 3/31/2026, at the applicant’s request. Record of Vote as Follows: Kevin Beuttell – Aye Duke Bitsko – Aye Alex Dohan – Aye Philip Hamilton – Aye Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye New Business/Pending Matters, Continued Schedule site visits: 3/31/2026 Meeting The Commission will visit 328 Lowell Street at 9am on Saturday March 14th. The new filing site visits will be scheduled for Saturday March 28, 2026, starting at 9:00am. Report: Eversource Energy 2023-2027 Five-year Vegetation Management Plan Ms. Mullins stated that Eversource has provided their yearly Vegetation Management Plan (VPM). Ms. Ladd asked when the wetland line was last reviewed. Ms. Mullins stated that the Commission can request that Eversource come to the Commission for a review of the wetland line since it has been multiple years now since last review. The Commission agreed the wetland line needs to be reviewed through a new filing. Mr. Whelan expressed concern for the use of herbicides in the plan. Ms. Mullins stated she will put Eversource on notice that the Commission would like to review the wetland line again. Ms. Dohan stated that the culvert above Turning Mill Road that was crushed by Eversource previously was never fixed and plastic netting wraps need to be cleaned from the area. Ms. Mullins stated she will remind them of these items. 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 6-0 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 Ruth Ladd – Aye Tom Whelan – Aye 9:18pm Respectfully Submitted, Megan Guardado LUHD Department Assistant Approved: 4/14/2026 Archived: 4/16/2026