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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-01-23 Conservation Commission Minutes o��ornyo Town of Reading Meeting Minutes RECEIVED TONIN CLERK READING, MA. Board - Committee - commission - Council: 2019 FEB 26 PM 6: 00 Conservation Commission Date: 2019-01-23 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: Public Meeting Version: Draft Attendees: Members - Present: Vice Chair Annika Scanlon, Michael Flynn, Robert Hayes, David Pinette, Carl Saccone; Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator Members - Not Present: Chair Rebecca Longley Others Present: Maureen Harold, John & Maureen Lynch,Jay Shatto, Care Pinpecci, gale & Dan Cahoon, Richard Shankiand, Jenice Heart, Michael Palmer, Jim McGrail, William Hall, Kenith Greenwood, Judi Graham, Tony D'Arezzo, Giuliana Rizzo, David Cannon,Michael Palmer, Suzanne &Steve Algen, Ron Petrin, Patty Guard, Leah Harrington, Richard& Pauline Mastronardi, Marie Kleponis, Jason,Diana Lavancher, Boriana Milenova, Brad Rhodes, Ron Petrin, Patricia Guanci, Scott Miller, Brn Morin, Chris Sporages Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde and Chuck Tirone Topics of Discussion: Ms. Scanlon called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. NOI 270-0705, 1503 Main Street, Lot A Map 60 Lot 11, Castellano NOI 270-0704, 1503 Main Street, Lot B Map 60 Lot 12, Castellano Ms. Scanlon re-opened the Public Hearings. Maureen Harold of U.S. Environmental Services was present to provide an update to the Commission. Since the last meeting, the consultant worked with the Town Engineer to revise and create an approved drainage design. Also requested by the Commission was an operation and maintenance plan, which Ms. Harold presented to the Commission, though it has not yet been reviewed by the Town Engineer. The operation and maintenance plan Includes a drainage swale shared by the two lots, which the future homeowners will need to maintain, inspect, keep clear of debris, and keep the grass mowed. The plan will need to clarify which lot owner will be responsible for the maintenance. Mr. Tirone asked the applicant to add erosion control to the plan to the south side of the foundation. Motion to close the Public Hearing for NOI 270-0705, 1503 Main Street, Lot A Map 60 Lot 11 by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Pinette. Vote 4-0-0 Motion to close the Public Hearing for NOI 270-0704, 1503 Main Street, Lot B Map 60 Lot 12 by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Pinette. Vote 4-0-0 vase I i NOI 270-0709 125 & 126 Azalea Circle, Map 23 Lot 125 & 126, Kay Street Realty Mr. Tirone stated that the applicant sought a continuance to the next meeting. However, he received a letter from a resident, who lives adjacent to the wetlands behind the development, expressing concerns that the new development might contribute to additional Flooding. Mr. Tirone will visit the site along with Engineering to see if DPW might be able to make some improvements to the flow and drainage in the area. Motion to continue by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Pinette. Vote 4-0-0 NOI 270-0713, 44 Roma Lane, Map 50 Lot 36, Carroll Because the meeting was progressing quickly, Mr. Carroll had not yet arrived for his appointment. Motion to continue NOI 270-0713 to 7:35 pm by Mr. Pinette; second by Mr. Saccone. Vote 4-0-0 Old/New Business: 107 Main Street, Palmer Michael Palmer was present to give details on the work being done behind his restaurant. Mr. Tirone had sent a letter notifying Mr. Palmer that a neighbor had complained about trees being cut down in the area between the restaurant's dumpster and the wetland. Mr. Tirone visited the site and noted that the trees which were specifically identified to remain were still there, however some shrubbery along the berm behind the dumpster was removed. Mr. Palmer noted that in the last couple of years, he has hired a landscaper to help maintain the property, and that some branches were removed from some of the trees to deter birds from getting into the stucco of the building, and some shrubs may have been removed as they were collecting litter and debris from neighbors and from Main Street. He is currently working with Jeffrey Brim of Meisner Brim Corp who will prepare a report for the Commission. Until he gets further guidance from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission, Mr. Palmer is halting any further work behind his property. For erosion control in the interim, he stated that he will put hay bales along the perimeter behind the dumpster area. NOI 270-0711, 23-25 Lakeview Avenue & Eaton Street, Map 17 & 38 Lot 131, 274, 275, 276, & 1, 2, Fodera, Eaton Lakeview Development LLC With the absence of Ms. Longley, because Mr. Flynn is recusing himself from this application, and bemuse Mr. Hayes has yet to arrive at tonight's meeting, there is not yet a quorum of the Commission to continue this Public Hearing. Motion to continue NOI 270-0711 to 8:45 pm by Mr. Pinette; second by Mr. Saccone. Vote 4-0-0 NOI 270-0713, 44 Roma Lane, Map 50 Lot 36, Carroll Ms. Scanlon re-opened the Public Hearing. Jim McGrail was present to represent the Carroll family. Mr. Tirone reviewed the visit he, Ms. Longley, Ms. Scanlon, and Mr. Pinette took to the site to view stakes and Sags set out by the Carrolls as requested by the Commission at the previous meeting. The Commission deliberated about which boundary most acceptable to protect the wetlands, though Mr. Pinette and Mr. Flynn agreed that an area close to the Road could be included in the plan. Snow was on the ground and made it difficult to access the area in question and difficult to determine the proposed changes when comparing the onsite stakes to sketch as opposed to an engineered plan. The Commission requested that Page 1 2 the family re-stake the area based on the feedback the Commission provided. Mr. McGrail agreed and stated he would notify Mr. Tirone when the markers are ready so he and members of the Commission can re-visit the site. Motion to continue NOI 270-0711 to February 13, 2019 by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Pinette. Vote 4-0-0 NOI 270-0714, 135, 139, & 149R Howard Street, Map 10 Lots 75, 76, & 77, Infrastructure Holdings LLC, Greenwood Ms. Scanlon opened the Public Hearing. William Hall of Civil Design Consultants appeared before the Commission to present a proposal for a definitive subdivision, which will also be reviewed by the Planning Board at its meeting on February 11". The proposal seeks to convert three lots consisting of two existing single family dwellings, and construct a cul-de- sac and six houses. Mr. Tirone stated that he visited the site, and shared some photos provided by 149 Howard Street of ponding water in the area by the back part of the driveway at 149 Howard Street, though with the current winter landscape it was difficult to determine the pictures appeared to show sensitive fern in the background. Mr. Tirone asked the applicant to provide a tree inventory of the site within the 100 foot buffer zone, identify which trees will be removed, and what replacements will be planted according to the tree policy. He also asked the applicant to prepare a full-size plan of Lots 3 &4 with landscaping and asked the applicant to provide an operation and maintenance plan. Ron Petrin of 119 Howard Street expressed his concern that this development could cause more flooding problems to neighbors and asked what the Commission will do to protect current property owners if the area floods. Mr. Tirone stated that the Town Engineer will review the drainage plan. Patty Guanci of 8 Milton Road recommended that the Commission visit the site between the winter and spring to see If vernal pools exist on the site. She also noted the possible effects the change in the landscape might have on the nature scape and wildlife. Richard Mastronardi of 144 Howard Street noted that the same proposal was made five years ago, but was rejected because the area floods. Leah Harrington of 127 Howard Street was told by her realtor when she purchased her home five years ago that the lot In question was unbuildable. Ms. Harrington's father, also present, expressed concern over the wetland boundary. Mr. Tirone noted that the Commission checks the line, and if there is any dispute, will call in a third party to review the wetland line. Ms. Scanlon noted that the Commission does as much investigation as possible to ensure plans are accurate. Marle Kleponis of 56 WescroR Road, which abuts the proposed site, stated that her backyard already develops ponding after heavy rains and expressed concern about the additional overflow draining into the area. Jason Silbovitz of 26 Milton Road asked whether these new homes would have French drains pumping additional water into the area during rain events. Mr. Hall stated that the state law requires that basements be one foot above groundwater level and he does not anticipate the basements will need drains and pumps. Other residents who expressed concern of additional flooding included John Lynch of 17 Milton Road and Suzanne Algen of 149 Howard Street. Mr. Hayes arrived at 9:02 pm. Based on additional public questions, the Commission explained its zone of jurisdiction and its process of reviewing applications. Ms. Harrington of 127 Howard Street notified the Commission members that they are welcome to park in her driveway when they go to visit the site. Motion to continue NOI 270-0714 to February 13, 2019 by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Pinette. Vote 5-0-0 NOI 270-0711, 23-25 Lakeview Avenue & Eaton Street, Map 17 & 18 Lot 131, 274, 275, 276, & 1, 2, Fodera, Eaton Lakeview Development LLC Mr. Flynn recused himself. Ms. Scanlon re-opened the Public Hearing. Chris Sporages of Williams and Sporages was present to provide updates to their plans as requested by the Page 1 3 Commission. The plan now includes: two options for a retaining wall (brick or stone and cement), snow storage removed from areas that slope away and moved to locations where it will melt and Flow Into the stormwater drainage system, a tree inventory from the wetland to the 100 foot buffer line which designates which trees will be saved or removed and the replacement plantings on the landscaping plan, street sweeping added to the operation and maintenance plan, detail of trees along the property line, removal of leaf litter, and lighting specifications for the rear of the townhouses that face the wetland area. Diana lavancher of 3 Smith Avenue asked why so many trees were being removed from areas that did not appear to impose on the building site, why non-glare lights are not required on all units, and who monitors when snow is dumped Into the wetland area. Mr. Sporages answered that some trees are in the proposed parking area, and some are in an area that will need to be regraded. Mr. Tirone encouraged Diana to take pictures if she sees snow being dumped and contact the Conservation Department so that the violation can be investigated and a fine can be issued. Scott Miller asked about the average height of trees being removed and the average height of replacement plantings as that could have an impact on the overall environment. Ms. Scanlon noted that the tree policy does not ask for replacement plantings in-kind, but does ask for well-developed saplings of at least a 3-inch diameter, and 10 to 15 feet in height, which are more substantial and likely to take root. Mike Flynn of 190 Green Street noted that the Commission only looks at trees within the 100 foot wetland buffer zone, and some of the trees in question may be outside that zone. A resident asked the Commission who will follow up on an order of conditions and what kind of oversight the project will receive. Mr. Timne stated that on a project such as this, its tipicak the Commission require the applicant to hire an environmental monitor to work with the developer on any work within the 100 foot buffer zone and will maintain communication with the Commission throughout the project. Mr. Pinette noted that upon completion of the construction, if not all conditions are met, the contractor will not receive the certificate of compliance needed to complete the project and move forward with home sales. Motion to close the Public Hearing by Mr. Pinette; second by Mr. Saccone. Vote 4- 0-0 New/Old Business Minor Project Permit, 366 Charles Street, Map 41 Lot 31, C]M Builders Brian Morin of CJM builders was present to seek approval of a minor plan change to the project to remove the existing foundation and put in a new foundation. The footprint, erosion control, and grading all remain the same. Motion to accept the minor change by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Pinette. Vote 5-0- 0. 35 Arcadia Street Mr. Tirone stated that he visited the site and spoke with Jim Steenbruggen to let him know that trees taken down behind the property were under the Conservation Commission's jurisdiction. Steve told Mr. Tirone that he had recently taken over the property and that the previous owner removed the trees. Mr. Tirone notified him that the violation is tied to the property and transfers with ownership. Steve has agreed to not take down any more trees and appear before the Commission under an RDA to discuss the project. Minutes for Approval: Motion to approve minutes from December 12, 2018 by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Saccone. Vote 4-0-1 with Mr. Pinette abstaining. Page 1 4 Motion to approve minutes from December 19, 2018 by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Saccone. Vote 4-0-1 with Mr. Pinette abstaining. Motion to approve minutes from October 24, 2017 by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Saccone. Vote 4-0-1 with Mr. Pinette abstaining. Motion to approve minutes from September 12, 2017 by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Saccone. Vote 4-0-1 with Mr. Pinette abstaining. Motion to approve minutes from January 9, 2019 as amended by Mr. Flynn; second by Mr. Saccone. Vote 4-0-1 with Mr. Pinette abstaining. Motion to adjourn by Mr. Pinette; second by Mr. Saccone. Vote 5-0-0 Meeting adjourned at 10:49 pm. Page 1 5