Lincoln Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Lincoln Town Offices
COMMISSIONERS: Jim Henderson, Peter von Mertens, Joyce Hersh, Ben Horne& Sara Lewis STAFF: Tom Gumbart, Angela Seaborg
WETLANDS FILINGS
Notice of Intent. Elinor Hardigg. 61 Beaver Pond Road (85-12-0). For the reconstruction of a single-family home and garage in the Buffer Zone Resource Area.
Dave Burke, wetland resource specialist represented the applicant with a plan to construct a new, single-family house within the Buffer Zone Resource Area. Approximately 3,800 square feet of impervious area, including the house, garage, driveway and terrace currently exists within the Buffer Zone Resource Area. Approximately 325 square feet of the existing garage is located within the inner 50-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area with the closest point being 25 feet from the Wetland Resource Area.
The proposed house and garage will be constructed in the same area as the existing structures. The total impervious area proposed within the Buffer Zone Resource Area is 3,900 square feet, resulting in an overall increase of 100 square feet of permanent disturbance within the Buffer Zone Resource Area. This figure includes a 700 square-foot terrace which will drain to a drain and gravel infiltration bed below the terrace. The proposed garage was pulled away from the Wetland Resource Area to a distance of 35 feet. It has approximately 220 square feet of area within the 50-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area, resulting in a decrease of 105 square feet within the inner, 50-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area.
Alternative locations for the house and garage were explored, but restricted to the proposed layout due to constraints imposed by the existing leach field, the narrow character of the property and zoning setbacks. The applicant also requested to remove 3 large trees on the west side of the house. Mitigation for the project includes the installation of 2 sets of stormwater infiltration chambers, the installation of a 1000-gallon storage tank for roof runoff and irrigation purposes and transplanting of several large trees and shrubs around the property.
The Commission reviewed the project and noted the relatively comparable amount of impervious surfaces within the Buffer Zone Resource Area. Locating the proposed house and garage within the same area of the existing house will also preserve the wooded character of the property. They noted the proposed methods for controlling stormwater runoff on the site and appreciated the applicant’s intent to install the extra 1000-gallon storage tank for gray water re-use. If they come across a significant amount of groundwater during construction, the Commission will require the contractor to discuss best drainage solutions for alleviating the problem.
While the Commission does not have jurisdiction over the area, they encouraged the applicant to install construction fencing between the house and the leach field to protect the area from construction equipment. The Commission requested that the contractor direct stormwater runoff from the new driveway into a drain or swale at the bottom of the property rather than sending it onto Beaver Pond Road and they requested that the contractor locate the infiltration system on the east side of the driveway slightly farther south and parallel to the driveway in order to protect a large, mature oak close to the 100-foot Buffer Zone Resource Area.
The Commission voted 5-0 to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Gutierrez – 16 Old Sudbury Road – Unauthorized Vegetation Clearing and Wetlands Fill
The Commission would like to send a letter to the Gutierrez’s requiring them to remove the piles of soil and wood chips from the wetland resource area. They will also require them to install silt fencing around the pond and along the sides of the cart path to stabilize disturbed soils. They will require a Notice of Intent filing for restoration work to be submitted by October 23rd for the November 5th hearing. The Commission will also require that any other proposed work on the house or property be submitted as a separate Notice of Intent filing. The Commission discussed the possibility of issuing a fine and several Commissioners felt that the infraction was particularly serious since they were advised of the wetland laws and regulations prior to purchasing the property. The Commission generally felt that issuing a small fine would
impress upon the homeowners the seriousness of the infraction. The homeowners however, have been extremely cooperative and have begun the extensive wetland delineation, survey and restoration planning work that was previously required.
Road Reconstruction Project
The Commission would like to make sure that the Ad Hoc Traffic and Roadside Committee takes into consideration the treatment of the road edges to accommodate bicycles. They would also like to explore the possibilities of transportation hubs in different neighborhoods to encourage in-town, transportation alternatives.
Long Range Planning Meeting Update
Angela Seaborg and several Commissioners attended the Long Range Planning Meeting Update. Peter von Mertens will present current Goals, Objectives and Action Items of the Open Space and Natural Resource Committee at the State of the Town Meeting in November.
Vineyard
Tom Gumbart cut a new trail above the vineyard and installed cedar posts and signs at the entrance. Kip Kumler will post signs to notify the public when chemical pesticides have been sprayed on the crops. The new trail will allow people to be farther from the fields.
ACTION ITEMS
Negative Determination of Applicability Issued to William Rizzo 38 Sandy Pond Rd (54-11-0).
Minutes Approved 9/3/08
Bills Paid & Payroll Signed
Respectfully Submitted,
Angela Seaborg
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