The commission’s deliberations on the proposed carport on Traverse Street took center stage. The application, submitted by Robert Rudd, sought approval for the construction of a carport attached to an existing one-car garage. The project required a joint public hearing in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 131, Section 40, and the Wetlands Protection Act. The applicant outlined the straightforward nature of the project, which involved removing topsoil to make way for a graded base or asphalt and ensuring that the new structure aligned with the existing driveway for proper drainage away from a nearby brook.

Commission members raised concerns regarding the potential environmental impact due to the property’s proximity to the brook. The applicant estimated the brook to be approximately 50 feet from the proposed construction site, but commission members questioned the accuracy of this estimate. One member emphasized the need for precise measurements, stating, “We just don’t have any way to evaluate a distance here.” This uncertainty prompted further discussion about the necessity of obtaining definitive measurements and mapping to determine the project’s impact on wetland and water resources.

Concerns extended to zoning regulations and floodplain status, as the applicant had already secured necessary permits without objections. Still, the commission debated the complexities of determining whether the property fell within a floodplain, which could affect the project’s feasibility. Ultimately, the lack of plans and measurements led to consensus among commission members that additional information was essential before any decision could be made. The applicant agreed to extend the hearing to gather the required data, and the commission scheduled a continuation for November 24th.

Another major topic was the discussion surrounding drainage improvements and resurfacing at Dun State Park, located on Pearl Street. The project, proposed by AE Command on behalf of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), sought to address drainage issues while enhancing the park’s infrastructure. Although technical difficulties initially hampered the hearing, the commission eventually discussed the proposal’s impact on surrounding wetland areas.

The engineering representative detailed the project’s revisions in response to comments from the Department of Environmental Protection, with plans to incorporate a wildflower mix to enhance the vegetated buffer zone. The commission appreciated the removal of parked vehicles that had previously posed both a visual and environmental nuisance. There was consensus on the project’s positive impact, with one member stating, “it’s a good project.”

The commission also evaluated the project’s design, specifically parking and drainage components. Concerns were raised about the existing parking situation, which involved vehicles leaking fluids and contributing to the brook’s deterioration. The engineering representative assured the commission that the new design would eliminate problematic parking and provide additional spaces to meet the college’s needs. The commission members expressed satisfaction with the proposal, noting the alignment with zoning requirements and the project’s funding grant tied to an electric vehicle (EV) program.

The meeting then addressed a proposal by McCardi Engineering on behalf of Gamma for constructing a new building on Green Street. The project involved a barn intended for diverse uses, including offices, classrooms, and treatment facilities. The site, surrounded by wetlands, presented challenges due to high groundwater levels complicating drainage solutions. The commission scrutinized the proposed layout, considering the spatial constraints between existing structures and wetlands. The representative highlighted the need for a stormwater basin and confirmed ongoing communication with relevant departments for project progression.

Additionally, the meeting touched on routine matters such as the status of a check cashed on October 8th and updates on the Pearly Brook culvert and Greenwood demolition. The commission agreed to continue these discussions at the next meeting, scheduled for November 24th. They also proposed canceling the December 22nd meeting due to holiday schedules, with plans to reconvene in January. An opportunity for professional development was introduced, with funding approved for the MACC fundamentals and enforcement workshop.