Lakefront Dock Dispute Takes Center Stage at Lunenburg Commission Meeting
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Meeting Type:
Environmental Commission
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Meeting Date:
04/17/2024
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Recording Published:
04/18/2024
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Duration:
101 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Worcester County
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Towns:
Lunenburg
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent Lunenburg Conservation Commission meeting, one notable issue discussed was a contentious dispute between two property owners over the placement of docks on Lake Shirley. The disagreement centered around the concerns of one property owner, Mike, who claimed that the proposed new dock of his neighbor, Todd, encroached on his property. During the meeting, the commission carefully considered the arguments from both sides, examined the regulatory aspects of dock placement, and eventually granted approval for Todd’s dock with specific conditions.
Todd presented his case for the installation of a removable dock, emphasizing that he had historically placed a dock on the property and was now seeking official approval to ensure compliance. He pointed out that a recently installed dock by his neighbor had complicated access to the water from his own property. The commission scrutinized the proposed dock’s dimensions and positioning relative to the neighbor’s dock. Mike, the concerned neighbor, argued that the proposed dock was over 20 feet wide and positioned in front of his own, and noted that Todd’s existing dock had been without a permit.
The crux of the debate was the commission’s role in mediating such disputes and whether it was within their jurisdiction to address the positioning of the neighbor’s dock. Rich Bursch, a member of the commission, clarified that property lines do not extend into the lake. Despite the concerns raised, the commission moved to approve the dock placement on the condition that it remains perpendicular to the shoreline, thus attempting to minimize potential infringement on Mike’s access to the water.
Apart from the dock dispute, the meeting encompassed a series of public hearings and requests for determinations of applicability concerning wetland protection and delineation of resource areas for various properties. The commission discussed amendments to existing orders of conditions for projects within the buffer zones of wetlands, including a request to add a no structure zone and a no disturb zone to a plan. The commission required the engineer to include calculations of impervious surfaces on the plan before signing off on it.
Another topic addressed was a proposal for landscape improvements on Sunset Lane. Ryan Proctor, representing the property owner, presented a revised site plan that included the replacement of an existing concrete walkway with pervious pavers. The commission deliberated on the potential increase in impervious surface within a designated no-touch zone and requested additional details regarding the specific permeable blocks to be used. Due to the extent of the changes and the need for more information, the commission chose to postpone the decision to a later date.
The commission also tackled operational issues, such as the enforcement of deadlines and compliance with orders. The necessity of imposing fines for non-compliance was debated, alongside discussions on various property violations. One point of contention was whether the commission should bear the cost of removing a shed on a property or wait for the owner to conduct logging activities. Additionally, there was a motion to direct the conservation administrator to issue a notice of violation for a separate property issue.
Technical aspects of the meeting included a discussion on the potential use of a drone for property inspections and the management of a fallen community pollinator habitat sign.
The commission provided updates on enforcement actions and reviewed ongoing issues, such as a stop work order and difficulties in inspecting a property.
In addition to the formal agenda, the commission members expressed their well-wishes for the recovery of an absent colleague. Technicalities regarding the recording of the meeting were also discussed.
Heather R. Lemieux
Environmental Commission Officials:
Mary Wilson, Bob Pease, Richard Bursch, Chris St. Germain, Mike Larouche, Jeff Viviano, Jenny Pewtherer, Sophie Dorow (Conservation Administrator)
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Meeting Type:
Environmental Commission
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Meeting Date:
04/17/2024
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Recording Published:
04/18/2024
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Duration:
101 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Worcester County
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Towns:
Lunenburg
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