The meeting included a detailed presentation by a property owner, Mr. Dino, who shared his experiences with severe erosion on his land adjacent to Camp Mary Bunker. The challenges were attributed to drainage work associated with the Route 27 project, completed in early 2022, which involved installing a new conduit. Despite these efforts, the old drainage pipes continued to contribute to flooding and debris accumulation, necessitating significant personal intervention by Mr. Dino. Over four years, he constructed retaining walls using 40 tons of granite, which he claimed solved the erosion problem on his property. However, the town’s efforts, including installing granite slabs intended to mitigate erosion, proved ineffective due to the area’s steepness and natural waterfalls, complicating water management.

A contentious point arose regarding a bridge Mr. Dino constructed over the stream on his property without the necessary permits. This led to discussions about property rights and regulatory compliance, as the bridge’s design, featuring mortared stone, could potentially impede water flow and increase downstream erosion. The Commission debated the implications of such structures on stream flow and wetlands, stressing the need for proper permitting to prevent further ecological disruptions.

In light of these concerns, the involvement of the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) was scrutinized, particularly regarding the installation of gabions along the property line, which were reported to be undercut and experiencing erosion. Commission members expressed skepticism about the adequacy of past permitting decisions related to the Route 27 project.

The meeting also addressed drainage issues linked to the 9 27 project, with particular focus on the impact on local stream corridors and the potential for point source pollution entering the drinking water supply. Concerns were raised about the failing or non-existent stormwater management system at the 927 shopping plaza, which was supposed to treat runoff but posed a risk of environmental contamination. The Commission discussed the possibility of utilizing Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) funds for further analysis of the area’s drainage challenges.

A site visit was proposed for a thorough assessment of the conditions and to gather reliable data points. Members planned to meet for coffee on a Saturday morning before evaluating the site, recognizing the necessity of a holistic perspective during the assessment process. There was a consensus on the importance of ensuring that infrastructure changes do not exacerbate erosion downstream, with discussions about the responsibilities of government entities in managing wetland systems and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

In other matters, the Commission reviewed a development proposal for Natick Crossing Plaza on West Central Street, involving plans for a mixed-use development with 219 residential units and retail space. Concerns were raised about traffic impacts, stormwater permits, and the jurisdictional implications of nearby wetlands. The Commission agreed to draft a comment letter addressing these issues for submission to the planning board. Additionally, updates on community farm activities and grant applications were provided, with a focus on shovel-ready projects for community earmark funding.