ARLINGTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 4, 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, and David White of the Commission. Timothy Sullivan, Ellen Reed and William O’Rourke of the Commission were absent. Also present were Mary Winstanley O’Connor, Esq. and Michael Hart for 208 Pleasant Street, Chris Conty for 16 Dothan St and Eleanor Lechtenberg of 12 Mystic Bank.
7:30 p.m. - COMMISSION BUSINESS
Ms. Garnett met with Mark Mitsch on 11/3 regarding the wetland replication site at the Arlington Reservoir Dam Rehabilitation project and agrees that they can proceed with the wetland replication design on the area near the spillway. Desirable tree species were also discussed.
7:45pm 18 DOTHAN ST – REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY for reconstruction of addition to single family home
Mr. Conty brought photos of the existing three season porch and the yard. Ms. Beckwith measured the wetland to be within 65 feet of this work. The yard is densely vegetated in the Buffer Zone. Mr. Conty explained that one large limb on a nearby tree would have to be cut in order to complete the work for the addition. The deck also will need replacing. The house is not within the floodplain according to the studies done for the adjacent McClennen Park.
White/Hodges motioned that while the work is within an area of jurisdiction (Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland), the work would not impact the wetland; motion passed unanimously.
8:15pm 210 PLEASANT ST – NOTICE OF INTENT for addition to single family home on Spy Pond
The Commission nor the applicant is in receipt of the DEP file number.
Garnett/Hodges motioned to close the public hearing on this project; motion passed unanimously.
Garnett/Hodges motioned to approve this work contingent upon the receipt of the DEP file number and the response from the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species program; motion passed unanimously.
8:30pm – 18 SHERATON PARK – NOTICE OF INTENT for reconstruction of an existing retaining wall on Spy Pond
The Commission received the DEP file number, 91-175, which forwarded this NOI to the Chapter 91 Waterways program.
Hodges/Garnett motioned to approve this project as proposed at the 10/21/04 hearing by the contractor; motion passed unanimously.
COMMISSION BUSINESS, CONT.
A site walk was held at the conservation parcel on Brand St also on 11/3 with David White, Cori Beckwith, John Maher (Legal Council) and Ron Santasuosso (Engineering). The land has existing driveway entrances to both 36 and 48 Brand Street. Mr. Maher advised the Conservation Commission to compose a letter stating that while the driveway use is not disputed the rest of the parcel is still protected as Conservation Land with all its protections under the Regulations for Conservation Lands.
Enforcements
Ms. Lechtenberg, of 12 Mystic Bank, reported that she planted two small evergreen trees (one is a Frazier Fir) at her property to compensate for the removal of the oak tree within the Buffer Zone. She also asked permission to mulch and use large gravel as bedding under the shrubs in beds along the property lines. The Commission felt that this work is small enough in nature to not require the filing of any permit for this work. The Commission will issue a letter confirming this point and acknowledging the tree planting and bringing the violation into compliance with the Wetlands Protection Act and the Bylaw for Wetlands Protection, sending a copy to Mr. Mass.
Mr. White reported the need to have plantings (possibly winterberry) installed on the land between the cement blocks and the bank of Ryder St Brook before this area becomes invaded by undesirable species.
The Commission voted to convene at approximately 10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Corinna Beckwith
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