ARLINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
AUGUST 26, 2004
Mr. Stevens called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the Town Hall Annex. Present were Catherine Garnett, Judith Hodges, Nathaniel Stevens, David White, Ellen Reed and William O’Rourke of the Commission. Timothy Sullivan of the Commission was absent. Also present were Peter Bellantoni of Allen and Major Associates and David Lanata representing 9 Mill St.
7:30 p.m. - COMMISSION BUSINESS
Enforcements
459 Mystic St. – Ms. Beckwith met with the owner on 7/21 and walked the site. The owner will file an RDA for the landscaping work in late August and subsequently file an NOI for larger items that potentially will include moving the existing foot bridge, beach nourishment, a dock with access stones.
7:45pm 12 MYSTIC BANK – working session
Mr. O’Rourke recounted the discussion at the last meeting regarding the site walk that led to the enforcement on this property.
Ms. Lechtenberg provided the Commission with a drafted sketch plan from a landscape designer. The plans included large areas of mass plantings with a mixture of native and and non-native species. She also has had the borders of the lot surveyed and the line is consistent with that surveyed at 8 Mystic Bank.
She would also like permission to place stone and/or mulch beds under plantings with rubber edging. She would like trellis or fencing along the property line with ivy on them for privacy. She would like to install an underground sprinkler system. She would like to replace or repair the crumbling retaining wall at the shoreline.
The Commission reminded Ms. Lechtenberg that English Ivy is not permitted for use in the Buffer Zone area since it has been shown to be an invasive plant.
The Commission recommended that Ms. Lechtenberg file a Notice of Intent application for the entire list of work that she has proposed.
The Commission reminded Ms. Lechtenberg to include trees in her landscaping plan to replace the large oak tree that was cut down.
8:15pm – NOTICE OF INTENT – 50 LOWELL ST for demolition and reconstruction of an existing building – continued from 7/15/04
Mr. Bellantoni asked some questions on the drafted Order of Conditions. Mr. O’Rourke asked about the condition to monitor the wall for stability.
The DEP file number (91-172) notification form was received by the Commission with no comment
The catch basin that will get a deep sump is currently located directly at the base of a retaining wall. Mr. Bellantoni suggest that they move the new basin slightly away from the wall and regrade the pavement in that area to drain properly.
O’Rourke/Hodges motioned to approve the project with conditions; motion passed unanimously.
9:30pm – NOTICE OF INTENT – 110-112 LOWELL ST for construction of a 22 unit condominium – continued from 7/15/04
Mr. Russell submitted the requested information to the Commission: landscaping plan, building elevations, bridge elevation, the DEP file number (91-173).
The planting list included English ivy. The Commission said that they will condition that this not be used within 100 feet of Geri’s Brook.
Mr. Russell agreed to send in a revised stormwater maintenance plan and a construction specification for the foot bridge along with photos.
Garnett/O’Rourke motioned to approve the project with conditions; motion passed unanimously.
COMMISSION BUSINESS, CONT.
White/Reed motioned to adopt the Stewardship Fund procedures; motion passed unanimously.
O’Rourke/Hodges motioned to approve the 6/30 minutes with edits; motion passed unanimously.
White/Hodges motioned to approve the 7/15 minutes with edits; motion passed unanimously.
White/Reed motioned to approve a Warrant Article to the September Special Town Meeting to transfer funds from our fees account to our expense account; motion passed unanimously
White/Reed motioned to approve a Warrant Article to the September Special Town Meeting to set up a 53e account for the Conservation Commission expenses; motion passed unanimously.
The DPW has agreed to print signs for the Conservation Lands. The Commission discussed colors and content of these. Ms. Garnett has a sample that she will forward to the Commission via email.
The 8/19 meeting date will be rescheduled to 8/26.
Enforcements, cont.:
Ryder St – Ms Beckwith went to the Lalicata business on 7/23/04 and told them to move all materials and operations beyond 10 feet from the edge of the waterway. For reference, the bank is marked with large boulders.
The Commission voted to convene at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Corinna Beckwith
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