Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Mary Lincoln, Jim Henderson, Jim Meadors, David Katsuki, Peter Von Mertens STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Kearney.
WETLAND FILINGS
Public Meeting – Request for Determination of Applicability: Tennessee Gas Pipeline. For routine maintenance.
The Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company needs to conduct maintenance activities along a 260-foot section of existing, high-pressure natural gas pipeline located between Bedford Road and Rte 2. The proposed work will take place within an existing impressed current groundbed easement through wetland resource areas and buffer zones. The work area will be approximately 6-8 feet wide and 6'deep. The total width of disturbed area including the trench and area necessary for stockpiling will be approximately 25 feet, however, the remainder of the right of way will be utilized as necessary for equipment movement. Swamp/timber mats will be used for equipment access. There will be no significant change in topography and there will be no new structures located above grade resulting in any impact to the flood control capacity of the
wetland. A native, restoration seed mix will be spread immediately after work and equipment will be stored on-site in a mutually agreeable location determined with the Commission during a pre-construction site visit. A representative from the Cambridge Water Dept. will be invited to the pre-construction site visit. Total work is estimated to take seven days and work will start as soon as permission is granted.
The Commission voted 5-0 to close the hearing and issue a negative Determination of Applicability allowing the project to proceed.
Public Hearing – Notice of Intent: Christina Breiter. For soundwall construction within 50 feet of a wetland at 268 Cambridge Turnpike. (Map 33-Block 6-Lot 0).
Tom Ryan of Ryan Associates represented Christina Breiter with a Notice of Intent to construct approximately 140 feet of gabion soundwall within 100 feet of a wetland resource area along Route 2. No activity will take place within the 50-foot buffer zone. The wall was approved by the Planning Board after 9 months of review, wherein they requested that the last 140-foot section within the wetland buffer zone be moved away from Route 2 toward the edge of the 50-foot buffer zone for visual relief. The Commission however, felt it was more important to protect the wetland resource and asked the applicant to move the wall as close to Route 2 as possible while preserving the majority of mature, existing trees along the property line. This change will more effectively block sound from Route 2 and will allow construction
materials and equipment to be accessed behind the wall. The applicant agreed to revise the plan and a pre-construction site visit with Cambridge Water and the Conservation Commission will take place prior to construction.
The Commission voted 5-0 to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions permitting the project to proceed.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Concord Open Space Plan
Concord has finished their state approved Open Space and Recreation Plan. The Commission would like to see Lincoln work on theirs at some point in the near future.
At Risk Property Committee
Peter Von Mertens and Tom Gumbart attended a July 27th meeting. The Committee identified 6 properties on which to focus their efforts. They will be hiring VHB to analyze potential development scenarios for these properties and plans are being made to incorporate these decisions into the fall, State of the Town discussions.
DiGiovanni property – S. Great Road
Tom presented DiGiovanni's redevelopment plan filed with the Board of Appeals requesting permission to construct a new house off the existing home’s footprint, closer to the road but on the footprint of the current farm stand. The Commission is in support of this change as it would not only be more suitable for the property, but it would move all new construction out of wetland buffer zone.
Heck Conservation Restriction Review
Commission reviewed and approved the Heck Conservation Restrictions.
Row Conservation Restriction Review
Commission reviewed and approved the Row Conservation Restrictions.
Hunsaker CR Property
Monitoring activities of the CR land revealed an electric dog fence buried on the CR property and through wetlands. The Commission would like Tom to send an educational letter to the homeowner reminding them of Conservation Restriction and Wetlands policies.
Hobbs Brook Farm
Next scheduled court date is September 13th 2005.
Sunnyside
The affordable housing project at Sunnyside Lane is moving along. Conservation staff will be marking trees to be taken down and staking do-not-disturb construction fencing in the near future.
ACTION ITEMS
Meeting Minutes Approved from 7/6/05
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Kearney
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