Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, January 4, 2006
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Henderson, Peter Von Mertens, Jim Meadors, Toby Feibelman, and David Katsuki STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Kearney.
Roadway Discussion: Emergency Access from School.
Fire Chief, Art Cotoni and Police Chief, Kevin Mooney came before the Conservation Commission to express their need for an emergency access route in and out of the Hartwell School Complex. The preliminary discussion focused on the feasibility of alternative routes and gathering input from nearby neighbors. Though there are two potential alternative routes leading from either side of the Hartwell Complex, out to Lincoln Road, these alternatives do not meet the criteria of the School Safety Plan because of their proximity to the school’s only entrance off Lincoln Road. Access is needed to Sandy Pond Road for a true alternative in the event that something happened along Lincoln Road, such as an accident or fuel truck spill that blocked Lincoln Road.
The Commission explored two additional alternatives; both out the back of the buildings, around the pool and across conservation land to Sandy Pond Road. One alternative would be a new road across the middle of the Muster Field. This however, would require a significant upgrade of the stream crossing and would dramatically change the scenic view across the field. The other alternative, and less intrusive, would be to make Lily Ditch Path a level, gravel road. The road would only be used in the event of an emergency, but would be maintained and patrolled regularly. The road would be chained and posted to direct walkers and skiers out through the field rather than down the abutting property owner’s driveway (who have an easement to use the upper half of Lily Ditch Path). Because the Path is deeded as Conservation Land
the route would never become a secondary access route in and out of the school complex.
Susan and Walter Page of 58 Sandy Pond Road expressed their concerns that restoring the road would change the character of the Path and invite more people down their driveway. They were concerned that the route could eventually lead to a more heavily used secondary access and felt the best alternative would be the new road across the Muster Field. They were concerned that the stone walls would need to be removed and the corner at the end of Lily Ditch Path would need to be significantly re-worked. The Commission will continue to explore options for the emergency access route and will keep the neighbors informed of the project’s next steps. In addition, some additional research is necessary on the legality of using conservation land for such an access road. The School and Public Safety officials are
required to complete their School Safety Plan by March.
WETLAND FILINGS
Public Hearing (Continued from December 21, 2005): Notice of Intent. Larry & Pauline Herthel. 199 Concord Road, Lot 3 (Map 97-Block 6-Lot 3). For grading and construction of a driveway within the buffer zone resource area.
Prior to the hearing Tom Gumbart and Larry Herthel met with Art Cotoni, Fire Chief and Pat Allen, Water Superintendent, to clarify whether a water main is required for the new development. Pat Allen followed up with a letter to Mr. Herthel stating that he needs to install a water main to service the new homes. Mr. Herthel brought in a new plan depicting a proposed water main running from Winchelsea Lane in the south to Route 117 in the north. This would run it along the proposed driveway of Lot 3, the subject of this filing. Two hydrants would be located along the water line to serve the existing house and two new houses.
Though the alignment of proposed water main remained inside the 100-foot buffer zone the Commission did not see an alternative route unless Lot 2 became free from litigation. At the time of the meeting the plan had not been shown to or approved by the Fire and Water Departments. The Commission wondered if the water main could be installed below the existing grade and then brought vertically to meet the hydrant at Route 117 or if it required a gradual slope to the hydrant and thus a similar berm through the property that the proposed driveway would have. The potential buyer of the property expressed her concern regarding the aesthetic of the road and/or water main leading up to Route 117. They are scheduled to meet with the Planning Board on January 18th.
The Commission remained very concerned with the location of the proposed driveway through the buffer zone. Several members felt that sharing an existing driveway from Route 126 was a viable alternative that would significantly reduce long-term impacts to the wetlands. The applicant did not provide a written cost/benefit analysis of the alternative driveway scenarios so the Commission was hard pressed to acknowledge any hardships that could result from having a shared driveway.
With permission from the applicant, the Commission continued the hearing to January 18th at 7:30pm with the understanding that additional information will be provided regarding construction requirements of the water main and alternative access routes.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Sara Silverstein
Dedicated Conservation Commissioner and native plant enthusiast, Sara Silverstein passed away on Tuesday January 3rd. The Commissioners spoke of her dedication and hard work while she served on the Board. She also volunteered for the New England Wildflower Society and worked hard to discourage the use of chemicals and pesticides. The Commission and Staff would like to explore options for dedicating some type of memorial on conservation land to remember Sara.
Master Plan
The Planning Board has been discussing what should be the follow up action to the State of the Town Meeting and the work of the At Risk properties committee.~The Planning Board is considering whether and how they should go forward with a Master Planning exercise and will hold a meeting to solicit feedback on how, if, and when they should proceed.~Feedback from the Conservation Commission, as one of the boards that would be involved in the process, to the Planning Board is needed. Working on an updated Open Space Plan is something the Commission has been planning for and if it could be incorporated into the Master Planning process that would be a good way to ensure it gets completed.
ACTION ITEMS
Meeting Minutes Approved from 12/21/05
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Kearney
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