Natick Conservation Commission
January 21, 2010
The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 by Chairman, Matthew Gardner. Members present: George Bain, Kathy Rehl, Doug Shepard, Bernie Raftery, Jason Makofsky.
Discussions
High School Senior Parking Lot
The School Department is considering transferring the ownership of the High School parking lot to the Conservation Commission. Mr. Gardner asked the members if they have an interest in taking possession of it. Mr. Gardner went by the site and thought there may be a possibility of using it for community gardens. Presently, the lot is littered and overused by the seniors. Mr. Bois feels it should be left with the schools, and it’s already protected. Mr. Bois asked if the Commission has a use and wants to accept the property…..who would turn it back into an active area. Kathy Rehl suggested if it’s not used for gardens, maybe plant trees. Commission was in agreement that a pocket park was not a good idea; they would not be in a position to police the lot.
Commission would be interested in future discussions of taking ownership of lot.
Minutes - January 7, 2010
Jason Makofsky suggested a motion to accept the January 7th minutes, as edited, Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 5-0
O Lake Street – Update
Commission agreed DEP appealed project because they did not have all the material, data or the entire project before them. Ken Soderholm stated the benefits of the project were going to be highly beneficial for such a large area. Jason Makofsky asked about exemptions? It is a pipe replacement project. Mr. Williamson is considering an appeal to the state’s denial.
30 Whispering Lane - Update
Regarding the Farmer’s Bridge that the Commission approved, and was appealed by DEP. Bob Bois stated Farfard has appealed the superseding order because the appeal period had passed before the state appealed the decision.
Lake Cochituate – Update
Bob Bois stated our appeal is moving forward. Commission has submitted their matching funds grant and waiting for a response. The state seems willing to commit to nonchemical methods and the Dash boat. The only way it would not go through is if state funds were no longer available for the Dash.
Notice of Intent – 42 Leach Lane – Gardner Museum Green House
Matthew Gardner read public hearing notice.
Alyssa Jacobs, project scientist with Epsilon reviewed NOI and the Land Disturbance permit application submitted simultaneously. The project is to construct an 11,000 sq ft one story green house to grow and care for collection of plants that get rotated throughout the year. The Gardner Museum was looking for many years for an offsite location and finally partnered with Hunnewell family to construct a greenhouse exclusively for horticultural program.
Ms. Jacobs reviewed map showing delineation of wetlands, proposed green house, compost area, rain gardens, and parking lot. Site is partially cleared now. There will be no work in the No Build or No Disturb zones. The green house will sit on a concrete slab, with a loading dock and propane tank. There will be bathrooms on site with composting toilets, two crushed stone driveways.
An alternative analysis determined this was the best proposal. The museum is proposing a greener greenhouse, environmental controls. All plants are hand treated, (watered, fertilized). Ms. Jacobs submitted a list of beneficial insect and pesticides that might be used. They will drill their own well. The stormwater system consists of crushed stone, paver system to meet ADA standards. It is an internally controlled system.
Land Disturbance is 45,000 sf, and was filed with the stormwater application.
Mr. Gardner asked does top driveway overflow channel. It can flow across the road – the pattern will be controlled. Mr. Gardner asked how they will know the composting and rain garden systems are working as proposed. Bruce Fulford, City Soil & Greenhouse Co., explained the compost process. The base material is wood chips and small amounts of liquids containing nutrients would be building a very large organic sponge. Another insurance to avoid leeching out, would be to cover area. Mr. Gardner asked if it would be routine that water will be collected daily. Mr. LeBlanc stated that there will rarely be any runoff, everything is hand applied….maybe when cleaning the floor.
Ms. Rehl requested copies of labels of all pesticides and would like time to review the pesticides and how much will be applied.
Mr. Shepard and Mr. Bain feel the applicant is well prepared. Mr. Raftery made a motion to close, contingent upon Kathy Rehl’s review. Mr. Bois referenced items 5 and 8 on O & M plan. It’s a standard EPA requires.
John Cosimini, 12 Brook Street, asked why 740,000 sf of land has to be leased for an 11,000 sf green house. Michael LeBlanc, Architect, said they have to account for the rain garden, compost area and parking lot. Mr. Cosimini is concerned with future expanding. It was determined that the brook does not cross his house on Brook Street. Mr. Cosimini asked if stream was perennial or interment. The Brook has been discussed for previous projects, and Mr. Gardner feels comfortable with the brook being perennial. Mr. Cosimini believes the greenhouse
will be visible from his house. He also asked if back taxes will be paid now that a structure will be on property.
Mr. Soderholm, 28 Leach Lane, stated that his main concern is the construction traffic and children’s safety. The street is very narrow and goes up hill and concerned with speeding trucks. Would encourage warning contractors to show extreme caution.
The applicant is going before ZBA for parking relief. It is a requirement to cover a parking area with concrete and stripe, along with a 7 inch curb and a 5 inch curb around entire parking area. Looking for an exception to the parking requirements.
Mr. Soderholm stated there may be an area on that trail that might need a link.
Mr. Cosimini, who has been on Brook Street for 36 years, states there is a buried dump capped over on the property. EPA issue. Mr. Gardner made a motion to review and make sure it is out of Zone II Elm Bank Wells, so moved by Kathy Rehl, 2nd by Doug Shepard. All in favor 6-0.
Commission agreed to issue a letter to ZBA stating they would prefer it impervious, as it will not be a heavily used parking lot.
Woodland Village Walking Trails
Ken Soderholm gave update. Beta did design for engineering improvements. DPW will do the work on an overtime basis and provide materials. Mr. Soderholm stated this whole development included a portion of it to be used as a walking trail. The Planning Board holds the easement for the trail. The improvements include a 500 ft split rail fence being installed as the best solution and best price, if Commission would support the cost. Mr. Soderholm is asking for funds up to $17,000 for the construction of these improvements.
Mr. Gardner asked if any further money will be provided from the developer. The developer had agreed to $5,000. Mr. Bois is concerned that this will come out of the Wetland fees fund and the fund’s ability to cover the cost for this and other projects.
Mr. Bain stated that Beta designed and estimated the cost, but was anyone a professional trail builder. Philip Paradis is an expert and is why he was assigned to project. DPW will sub out the fence, everything else DPW will complete. Mr. Bain – Mark Coviello is a civil engineer, expert in sidewalks, etc., what about trails. Mr. Soderholm feels comfortable with the plans for the trail improvements.
Ellen Curran, 14 Davis Brook Drive, as an abutter, asked why this trail location is so important, when there are other ways to access the same area and no cost. This proposal is an expense. Mr. Soderholm explained it’s a trail, along natural surroundings, not a road. A trail is an enjoyable nature walk, not on roadways.
Mr. Gardner stated this was a condition for the development. It was not constructed properly, talked about for a number of years, now there is a plan in place so it can be constructed adequately. The only machinery will be a bobcat, maybe a pickup truck. The worker’s installing the trail will be made aware of the sprinkler systems on the property. A dump truck might be used to transport the supplies, but not on the trail.
Janet Kalin, 33 Davis Brook Drive, - said the developer pushed the houses closer to the trail, now some of the easements go under people’s porches. Some fill and berms are being eroded as well. It’s not compacted fill. Her concerns are who will be doing the trails and what has DPW done in the past of this nature. This is not their line of work. A lot of damage can be done on the easement and abutters’ property. Also, who will make it right if something is completely wrong. She walks the trail twice a day and feels it’s a good idea. Concerned with snowmobiles using the trail. It’s a dangerous trial on a good day, and concerned who is going to install it and maintain it.
Mr. Gardner said it’s a well designed project and we need to have it concluded after all these years. Mr. Makofsky agreed that over time it might need to be repaired, like anything else. The town will not abandon the trail.
Mr. Makofsky asked that the Planning Board have Beta include in their report the expected life of trail. Woodland and Farm Hill Village will bear brunt of funding repairs, would like something in writing when they accept trail and something to limit liability. Ken Soderholm stated the town has an easement on their property, but there is confusion on repair cost responsibilities. Mr. Bois was asked to investigate Grant of Public Access Easement for the walking trail and report back to the Commission at a future meeting.
Dash Boat update
Mr. Shepard moved to allocate up to $17,000 grant match to DCR, Kathy Rehl so moved, all in favor 6-0. Previously approved $7,000. Mr. Bois will find out the final cost.
ANRA continuation – 0 Hunter’s Lane
Applicant requested continuation until third party review. Matthew Gardner made a motion to continue to February 3rd, George Bain moved, Kathy Rehl seconded, all in favor 6-0.
Notice of Intent continuation – 0 Pleasant Street
Applicant requested continuation until third party review. Matthew Gardner made a motion to continue to February 3rd, Doug Shepard moved, Bernie Raftery seconded, all in favor 6-0.
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