Lunenburg Conservation Commission Chair Resigns, Projects Scrutinized
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Meeting Type:
Environmental Commission
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Meeting Date:
07/17/2024
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Recording Published:
07/18/2024
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Duration:
156 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Worcester County
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Towns:
Lunenburg
- Meeting Overview:
The Lunenburg Conservation Commission’s latest meeting was marked by the resignation of the chair, Bob Pease, and the subsequent focus on leadership restructuring. The Commission was also engaged in discussions on several proposed projects, emphasizing the importance of wetland buffer zones, erosion control measures, and comprehensive documentation before approvals are granted.
At the outset, the Commission addressed the resignation of the chair and expressed gratitude for the service rendered. The issue of leadership was quickly attended to, with a candidate stepping forward for the role of Vice Chair under the condition that another member handle meeting facilitation temporarily. The discussion of nominating a member for Clerk was also initiated, factoring in the member’s availability. Recognizing the need for a fully vetted chair to lead the Commission, members agreed on the necessity of filling the leadership positions promptly.
Several project proposals were reviewed throughout the meeting, with particular focus on their environmental impact and compliance with regulations. One such case was the request for determination of applicability for the Trustees of Village at Flat Hills’ project proposal, which aimed to maintain a detention pond. The representative from the Village and their engineer explained the need for the pond’s maintenance and the delay in surveying due to water in the basin. The Commission debated the approval of routine maintenance without a complete plan, particularly the removal of sludge from the site, and decided to continue the hearing to allow for the submission of necessary documentation, including an operation and maintenance plan.
Another discussion revolved around a notice of intent for a residential subdivision within the 100-foot wetland buffer zone on Massab. The applicant presented the project, which included paved driveways and a bio-retention basin. The Commission reviewed the wetland delineation, erosion control measures, and voted to approve the plan with standard order conditions, after confirming the accuracy of the wetland flags and the adequacy of the proposed measures.
The Commission also deliberated on a notice of intent related to the existing Pump House on Mr. Shirley Road. The representative for the applicant outlined the intention to replace a well and construct an addition to the wellhouse. There was hesitation to approve the project due to pending actions from state agencies and the need for further documentation. The Commission discussed conditioning the approval on other agencies’ decisions and the importance of having all necessary filings in place before proceeding.
In addition to the aforementioned projects, the Commission addressed a request for determination for a replacement maintenance project by PJ Keing Company, and a notice of intent for the construction of a single-family home and associated site work on Sunny Hill Road. In the former, the Commission opted to wait for additional information before making a decision, while in the latter, the Commission questioned discrepancies in wetland delineation and reviewed offsite areas’ relevance to the project.
A public hearing for a notice of intent by Stephan Mcweeney for the construction of a single-family home on Arbor Street led to a continuance approval, as the applicant needed to finalize a zoning board of appeals process.
The Commission approved a project on Lemonster Road with a special condition to update the drawing for the 6-inch drain pipe location before installation. A member of the public clarified the drain’s location and the applicant assured their willingness to comply with maintenance easement agreements.
Administrative matters included the approval of tree removal on Peninsula Drive, the issuance of certificates of compliance, and the resolution of a potential error regarding a certificate for a property on Cove Road. Discussions also covered enforcement updates, notably the need to follow up on a property on Massav for filing and erosion control concerns.
Updates on enforcement on Fire Road 12, an upcoming hearing on Sunset Lane, and the circulation of a meeting schedule for review were discussed. The Commission mentioned a chapter 61b abatement, updates on grants, and encroachment issues. There was a proposal to allocate funds for a riding lawnmower and a call for recruitment for an open position on the Commission before the meeting was adjourned.
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:
07/17/2024
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Recording Published:
07/18/2024
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Duration:
156 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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