The most pressing topic centered on proposed drainage improvements by the Department of Public Works (DPW) at Hugo Lane and State Street. The project involves replacing approximately 200 feet of undersized drainage pipe with a larger diameter pipe. Residents from State Street and Noble Drive voiced strong concerns that the changes would exacerbate water problems downstream rather than alleviating them. One resident articulated that, “the DPW solution to alleviate their water accumulation is merely moving water problems farther downstream,” expressing fears that properties on Noble Drive, particularly those at numbers 3, 5, 7, and 9, would suffer from increased erosion and water levels.

Commission members reviewed GIS data and discussed the hydrology of the area, acknowledging a history of flooding issues and water accumulation. A resident from number seven on Noble Drive highlighted that the water flow between numbers five and seven had been blocked for about 16 years, primarily due to runoff from State Street and Freeman Road. This resident expressed concerns that the proposed changes would redirect more water toward their properties, particularly at low points.

The commission members were cautious about the implications of increasing the pipe size. One member remarked, “if you’re going from a 10-inch pipe back up to a 15-inch pipe, I think the water is going to flow through quicker and more rapidly,” indicating potential worsening conditions downstream. Another member emphasized that while the project aimed to address flooding at higher elevations, it could inadvertently exacerbate problems for residents on Noble Drive.

DPW representatives maintained that the historical drainage capacity would be restored and that the project would not worsen existing conditions. However, residents remained skeptical and called for comprehensive engineering analyses to ensure that the proposed changes would not simply shift, rather than resolve, the flooding issues.

The commission discussed the need for further investigation into the area’s hydrology. They recognized that increased rainfall patterns in recent years might contribute to current water management challenges, complicating the situation further. A suggestion was made to include conditions in their orders requiring more detailed engineering studies to assess contributions of water from various sources, including Hugo Lane and Freeman Road, to the flooding experienced in the Noble Drive area.

A motion was made to continue the hearing until the next meeting to allow for further assessment of the drainage issues and to involve the engineering department. There was a consensus that a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the drainage modifications was necessary before proceeding. Residents expressed a willingness to wait for a thorough analysis, prioritizing a long-term solution over a quick fix.

The meeting also addressed a request by Jason Sudman to use the Cranberry Bog Reservation for a bicycle riding event. Sudman sought guidance for future events, mentioning that parking would not be an issue as it would be accommodated at his residence in Carlisle. The Commission discussed the importance of notifying them in advance of any future rides, concerns about safety at critical points, and the potential interaction with dogs in the area. They agreed on the necessity of having people on-site during any future rides to ensure safety, particularly at major intersections.

Additionally, the Commission discussed a proposed project on Boston Road involving the demolition and reconstruction of an existing garage and breezeway. Representatives from Norse Environmental presented plans for the project, which would include a stormwater management system to handle runoff effectively. The Commission expressed general support for the project, acknowledging that the house was built in 1776 and that the proposed expansions would not require a waiver due to its historic status.

The session also covered updates on a strategic plan guiding town operations over the next five years, an open space and recreation plan, and a native pollinator garden proposal for Thanksgiving Forest. The Commission addressed ongoing projects, such as the Right Reservation walkway and tree removal training for DPW employees, emphasizing safety and practical benefits.