16 December, 2014
On Monday, December 15th, the Conservation Commission met to discuss three properties, on West Elm St, DiCarlo Road, and Hayden Rowe St.
Before their public hearings, the commission discussed a number of work items. Of note was the retraction of the HCC CPA application by NSTAR; they have decided to hold off on their application regarding parcels abutting Berry Acres. The other major work item concerned commission members and their ability to advocate for open space. Member Ed Harrow said he was "spoken to" for his advocacy for the 203 Pond St property. He posed to the commission whether it was a conflict of interest for him to advocate for this property while he was a member of the Conservation Commission. The commission did not seem to think he had a conflict of interest, but provided Mr. Harrow with a number of solutions to his potential conflict. They advised him that, when advocating for 203 Pond St as open space, to clearly state that although he is a member of the Conservation Commission, he is speaking as a private citizen. They also provided him with a number to call to connect with an attorney that may help him determine any conflicts. As Mr. Ciriello stated, the conservation commission is a small part of a very large puzzle with regards to this property; even if Mr. Harrow had a conflict, it would probably not affect the overall decision about the property.
The commission then heard the request for determination of applicability for 27 West Elm St. The owners of the property desired to put a two car garage with a bedroom above on their property. This project, the applicant said, is ongoing. Two years ago, he said, the same property applied for a septic system and a garage; the garage was never built, and now they seek to add it. The commission found no issue with the request and came to a negative determination.
The next hearing was for the construction of an in-ground pool at 4 DiCarlo Road. As planned, the pool and patio/fire pit area would extend into the 100 foot buffer zone, with tree removal extending into the 75 foot zone. The commission took issue with the location of the construction, noting that the existing borders for the property were already grandfathered in. They suggested moving the pool and patio across the yard to better accommodate their proximity to the buffer zones. They then accepted the NOI provided these modifications were made.
The final public hearing was a continuation of a hearing for lot 6 at 0 Hayden Rowe St. The commission had requested that the builder file with DEP and get their approval. He did so, and so the board approved his NOI as well.
The Conservation Commission meets next on Monday, January 5th, 2015.
