One notable issues addressed was the enforcement order concerning unauthorized clearing on Steven Street. An abutter reported the violation, leading to an inspection that confirmed the clearing had occurred in a buffer zone adjacent to wetlands. This action violated an existing order of conditions from the 1990s that had not been properly closed out. The landowner, unaware of the original order, responded promptly after receiving a certified letter. He provided a plan showing the wetlands line delineated by Insight Engineering and explained that the clearing was part of environmental remediation efforts linked to an old contaminated building. The commission decided to table the matter, allowing time for further responses and actions from the landowner.

Another violation was reported on Kilburn Street, where unauthorized clearing near Cook Pond had taken place. Mr. Marks, identified as one of the landowners, attended to address the concerns. Reports from the building department noted that storage trailers had been placed near the pond, replacing previously vegetated areas with gravel parking and storage spaces. An incident involving the removal of a vehicle from the pond had triggered cleanup efforts, but the commission expressed concerns about the extent of the clearing. Mr. Marks was asked to provide an engineer’s assessment and a proper wetland delineation. He expressed willingness to cooperate with the commission to address the enforcement order, understanding that non-compliance could lead to fines and complications with property transactions. The commission emphasized the importance of adhering to permitting processes, as demonstrated by the neighboring Kilburn Mill, and tabled the matter to allow Mr. Marks time to secure necessary consultations.

In addition to these enforcement issues, the commission reviewed major development proposals, including a Notice of Intent filed by Atlantic West LLC. This proposal involved the construction of seven condominium buildings with 17 units, featuring bio-retention areas, retention ponds, stormwater treatment systems, and parking. The board noted that the site was designed following wetland protection act standards, and after discussing conditions such as wetland signage and resolving outstanding comments from the Department of Environmental Protection, a motion to issue an order of conditions was unanimously passed.

Another development discussed was a nine-unit townhouse project by High Development LLC, located between Potter Street and Bay Street. This site presented topographical challenges, including slopes that required careful design consideration. The proposal incorporated a drainage system for stormwater management, with catch basins and treatment units. A point of discussion was the construction of a retaining wall due to the steep slopes, leading to the suggestion of using a riprap embankment as a more suitable stabilization method. The commission noted the need for careful planning and adherence to regulations, especially given the late submission of plans for review.

The meeting also covered a proposal by Captain Joseph H. O’Connell Company for a commercial marina extension. The plan included adding 80 new slips to the existing marina configuration. The notice of intent focused on the new dock configuration, excluding any disturbance within the riverfront area. Concerns were raised about existing licensing and documentation of public access points on the site plan. The representative clarified that the existing license dated back to 1932, covering timber pilings but not floating docks. The commission stressed the need for proper documentation and compliance with Chapter 91 licensing requirements.