Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Peter von Mertens, Jim Meadors, Ben Horne, Ari Kurtz, Jim Henderson, David Katsuki, & Sara Lewis STAFF: Angela Seaborg, Tom Gumbart.
WETLANDS FILINGS
Public Hearing: Notice of Intent. Jamie Atkins. 5 Sandy Pond Road (53-6-0). For construction of an addition, covered porch and temporary disturbance in the 100-Foot Buffer Zone.
The Commission discussed the proposal to construct a 215 square foot addition and 285 square foot covered porch within the outer 100-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area. While the proposed addition meets the requirements set forth under the conservation restriction, the Commission asked the applicant to provide a calculation of the total amount of impervious surface to be removed within the Buffer Zone Resource Area. The Commission noted that the proposed addition was on existing landscaped area, stormwater runoff could infiltrate under the proposed porch and that the proposed porch would be located on the side of the house furthest away from the Wetland Resource Area.
The Commission felt that the proposed fence would not have significant impacts on the Wetland or Buffer Zone Resource Areas, but would like more information on the proposed style pursuant to the conservation restriction.
The Commission voted 6-0 to continue the hearing on January 2, 2007 at 7:45 pm.
Public Discussion: Enforcement Order: Nicholas Konstandakis. 22 Old Cambridge Turnpike (22-6-0). For clearing of vegetation and re-grading approximately 5,000 square feet within the buffer zone resource area immediately adjacent to an intermittent stream and associated bordering vegetated wetland.
The Conservation Commission held a site visit on December 7th to review the un-permitted work. Nicholas Konstandakis, homeowner and Stacey Carpenter, Wetland Scientist of Hancock Associates attended the public discussion to understand what the Commission wanted for restoration of the property and to present a proposed plan of action. Prior to the meeting, Ms. Carpenter researched the property files in the Conservation Office. She needed additional time to review the materials and pre-existing conditions on the site. Ms. Carpenter proposed additional research to determine the pre-existing conditions of the site with aerial photography, GIS mapping and previous wetlands filings. This information, along with additional survey work if necessary, would provide a sufficient base map from which they could prepare a wetland restoration plan including
appropriate plantings, methods and timeline. The Commission noted that the site was fairly secure with the frozen ground and felt the proposed actions were reasonable. They requested that a restoration plan be submitted prior to the January 16th meeting.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Public Discussion: Warren Flint. 5 Sandy Pond Road (53-6-0). Review of proposed activities under the jurisdiction of a Conservation Restriction held by the Lincoln Conservation Commission. Proposed activities include subdivision of parcel, construction of septic system leach field outside of the building envelope, addition to the existing dwelling, construction of an accessory building and construction of a fence along Sandy Pond Road.
The Commission held a site visit on Thursday, December 6th to look at the potential garage locations with respect to both the conservation restriction and the wetlands. At the hearing the Commission weighed the pros and cons of each of two options and agreed that the proposed location as presented on the plan dated October 18, 2007 would provide the greatest views into the agricultural field from Sandy Pond Road and would protect the wetland resource area to a greater extent. The Commission would prefer the garage doors to face the street because it will eliminate cars from the viewshed and it will reduce the amount of impervious surface on the site. They will write a letter to the Historic District Commission expressing this view. The Commission would also prefer to see the gable end facing the street.
The Commission voted 6-0 to approve the detached garage as shown on the plan dated October 18, 2007 with the discussed changes pending Historic District approval. Any corner of the barn must be no closer to Sandy Pond Road than the most forward corner on the current plan.
The Commission discussed the proposed white picket fence along Sandy Pond Road. They felt strongly that the fence must be no higher than 3’ at its highest point and must be as transparent as possible in order to protect the views into the agricultural fields from the road. While the Historic District Commission is likely to have lengthy discussions regarding the style of the fence, Jim Henderson suggested a black wrought-iron fence style, which might ‘fade into the landscape’, remain in character with the style of the house and still provide some physical barrier from the road.
The Commission would like additional information on the exact style and specifications of the proposed fence along Sandy Pond Road.
The Commission voted 6-0 to approve the proposed ANR plan provided that the boundaries of the building envelope are marked with permanent iron pins and/or concrete bounds at each change in bearing. The conservation restriction must be referenced in the new deed.
The Commission voted 6-0 to approve the proposed septic system within the CR area provided that there remains a minimum of 24” of topsoil over the leach field so that future agricultural activities are not impaired by the system elevation or materials. The applicant demonstrated that there were no viable leach field alternatives within the building envelope.
The Commission voted 6-0 to continue the discussion on the proposed addition and covered porch pending the submission of the required calculations and further discussion under the Lincoln Wetlands Bylaw.
CPC Representative
Tom Gumbart, Jim Henderson and Jim Meadors agreed to share the responsibilities of attending the Community Preservation Committee meetings in Peter von Mertens’s absence.
Lincoln Winter Carnival
The Carnival will be held February 1-3, 2008. The Commission is welcome to sponsor an activity if they are interested. No ideas came up at the meeting.
Wooly Adelgid
Peter von Mertens shared an article from the New Yorker which discussed the increased problems with the Wooly Adelgid insect which affects Canadian Hemlock trees. The Commission would like to research the options for treatment further and explore possible funding opportunities for such treatments.
Farrar Pond
The Conservation Commission received a letter regarding the status of the pond and proposed treatment for 2008.
Mt. Misery View Clearing
The Commission held a site visit to Mt. Misery in November to look at the extent of clearing required to re-open the view. Jim Henderson presented a few graphical representations of the path walked, view line and proposed area of clearing. Based on the that information and the site visit, it appeared that approximately 8 large pine trees would need to be removed and several others would require limbing-up or topping. Jim Meadors was concerned with the extent of work and the change in character it would bring to the area. Other Commissioners expressed concern that the public be involved in the process by way of additional public meetings and/or kiosks located at Mt. Misery. The Commission will discuss the idea with the Committee of 6 and make a determination at its next meeting.
ACTION ITEMS
Order of Conditions Issued to James Dwyer. 83 Page Road (50-4-3)
Order of Conditions Issued to Frank Panetta.109 Page Road (33-21-0)
Certificate of Compliance Issued to Ken Eisner. 188 Tower Road (124-1-0)
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
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