Natick Conservation Commission
July 12, 2007
The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 by Chairman, Matthew Gardner. Members present: George Bain, Kathy Rehl, Jason Makofsky, Doug Shepard
Discussion
8 Woodland Street
Homeowner would like to install a fence in already existing rear yard, but was told there were wetlands. Kathy Rehl recommended he check the maps and ask Bob Bois to visit the site and get his approval.
Certificate of Compliance – 5 Dottie’s Court, Lot 4, 233-595
A representative from Trask was not present. Commission reviewed plans and questioned the missing six inch drain and berm. George Bain motioned to continue to August 16, 2007, Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 5-0.
Request for Determination continuation – 377 Bishop Street
George Bain and Matthew Gardner previously visited site and both felt the proposal was fine. Matt Gardner asked that the leaves be pulled back from wetland. Matthew Gardner motioned to close, George Bain moved, Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 5-0. George Bain moved to issue a Negative 3 Determination with the following conditions:
1. Lawn waste be pulled back from edge of wetland
2. Before any landscaping occurs, must go before Commission.
Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 5-0.
Notice of Intent continuation – South Natick Hills
Matt Leidner was before Commission October 2006 requesting waivers. Mr. Leidner reviewed what has taken place since. They received a comprehensive permit from ZBA and the appeal period is over. The approved map shows 281 units, but it’s actually 268. Wetland replication has not been discussed and would like to have LEC come to next hearing for input from LEC and Commission. Commission asked that Pulte Homes discuss with LEC ideas for replication areas before next meeting. Natural Heritage is not completely closed out yet. Until the layout is locked in, they don’t have the conservation restriction.
Doug Shepard moved to continue to October 18th, Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 5-0.
22 Mechanic Street
The tenant, Ed Martin, Interstate Paving, was not present. Matthew Gardner reviewed letter from John Flynn regarding tenant. The applicant has not taken care of everything that was on list.
Discussion
7 Lake Street
John Dwinnell stated that Kevin O’Leary, 7 Lake Street, wanted to install a dock, but found him cutting and clearing state/town property; and therefore, dock was not approved.
Also, in another location (behind a business on route 9) a tree had been removed that had a rope swing attached. Contractor removed without authorization. Bob Bois will contact the contractor (an enforcement order may be issued).
Notice of Intent – 136 East Central Street – 233-619
John Perdoni, and Peter Ditto, LEC Environmental reviewed proposed wetland restoration and re-vegetation plan. The property was cleared, but stumps were not removed. The previous owner had been before Commission in the past and the current homeowner was unaware of restrictions.
Kathy Rehl, stated only two species of trees are proposed. She suggested eliminating the one that does not do as well and maybe plant another species altogether.
George Bain moved to close, and issue Order of Conditions, Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 5-0.
Request for Determination - CSX
Matthew Gardner read public hearing notice. Curtis Schopp from National Salvage, explained his process to remove 2 ½ mils of rails in 4-5 weeks. There will be no excavating, grating or removing ballasts. Stock piling in safe areas only.
Mr. Gardner’s concern is the stretches of rail that drops steeply near Lake Cochituate and Home Depot, about 100 yard stretch, and asked what precautions will be taken. Commission requested Mr. Schopp contact Bob Bois when work begins at those particular areas.
Selectman, Josh Ostroff, asked if any optional work was going to be done, specifically, 400 ft of abandoned buried side track. Mr. Ostroff feels it’s a concern, and may better if left undisturbed.
Mr. Ostroff would also like to protect bridge/culvert (stone tunnel). Mr. Schopp does not anticipate any damage. Mr. Dwinnel concerned with work on tunnel during high boat traffic. Mr. Dwinnel will also be notified when removal begins, and will mark on the plans the tie digging, which is more of an issue than track removal.
Commission and Curtis Schoop agreed on a site meeting, and for the superintendent of project to give Bob Bois 48 hours notice when removing specific areas on map.
A resident on Bacon Street asked if specific roads will be used by trucks removing the ties. Concerned that some roads are narrow.
Dick Miller has a mailing list and offered to post the dates of rail removal at route 9 bridge and Cloverleaf clearing. Mass Highway also will be notified.
Mr. Shepard moved to close and issue a Negative 3 Determination with the condition to notify Bob Bois and Tim Murphy when work begins behind Home Depot up to Route 9 Bridge, George Bain seconded, all in favor, 5-0.
Meeting adjourned 9:50 p.m.
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