Among the most discussions was the comprehensive presentation by a town engineer regarding the proposed improvements on Adam Street, which are designed to stabilize the banks and manage stormwater more effectively along a tributary to the Crane River. The project, classified as a limited project due to its nature and scope, involves constructing new retaining walls using decorative concrete blocks and installing catch basins to trap sediment and manage runoff. This initiative seeks to address the deteriorating condition of a failing retaining wall that currently affects the tributary’s flow, posing potential risks to the surrounding environment and infrastructure.

The town engineer explained the project’s focus on replacing a collapsed retaining wall on the north side of Adam Street, which had altered the tributary’s flow due to its unreliability and lack of reinforcement. The new design includes installing a cast-in-place headwall to support an existing culvert and stabilizing 160 linear feet of the inland bank. This effort aims to ensure long-term stability and reduce the risk of further erosion, which has been a concern for the local community. The improvements are expected to take three to six months, contingent on weather conditions, with the additional plan to repave Adam Street from Pine Street back to Silven Street upon completion.

The commission’s discussion highlighted potential logistical challenges, such as the need for temporary road closures during construction and the use of a temporary bypass during storm events. These measures are necessary to facilitate the construction of new infrastructure while maintaining safety and minimizing disruption to the area.

Further scrutiny was given to the proximity of the construction activities to a nearby residence on Adam Street. The commission emphasized the importance of careful excavation practices to protect the structural integrity of the house’s foundation. An easement was granted to ensure sufficient space for the construction activities, providing a 30-foot-wide area for the necessary work.

Public input was also considered, with questions raised about the construction specifics, such as the reinforcement of concrete barriers with rebar. Clarification was provided that while the cast-in-place headwall would include rebar reinforcement, the retaining walls would rely on gravity blocks to maintain their position.

After thorough deliberation, the commission closed the public hearing for the 55 Adam Street project and approved the order of conditions, allowing the project to proceed. Next steps involve preparing to bid the project out in the winter, with construction to begin as soon as contractor availability and weather conditions permit.

In addition to the 55 Adam Street discussion, the commission addressed a request for a certificate of compliance for a property on Massachusetts Avenue. The wetland scientist representing the applicant confirmed that the garage addition and walkway were completed per the approved plans and that the site was stable. The commission praised the timely completion of the work and issued the certificate of compliance without dissent.

The meeting also touched upon a notice of intent for a project on Water Street, which was postponed until December 11, 2025, at the applicant’s request. The commission noted that the hearing for this project had not yet opened, and both the notice of intent and the certificate of compliance requests were continued to the same date.

As the meeting drew to a close, there was a brief discussion regarding the future leadership of the commission. A suggestion was made for the current chair to consider passing on responsibilities, recognizing their long service. The commission acknowledged the need for a job description for the chair position, which would be obtained from town hall.