Halifax Commission Grapples with Stormwater Management and Property Compliance
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Meeting Type:
Environmental Commission
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Meeting Date:
03/12/2024
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Recording Published:
03/14/2024
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Duration:
72 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Plymouth County
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Towns:
Halifax
- Meeting Overview:
At a recent Halifax Conservation Commission meeting, stormwater management for a proposed 30-unit condominium on Monet Street took center stage, raising concerns about its impact on the local infrastructure and environment. The discussion delved into the specifics of the stormwater system, with an emphasis on reducing peak outflows and protecting neighboring properties, including a golf course. The commission also addressed issues of non-compliance at several properties, highlighting the need for adherence to wetland laws and the potential for legal consequences in the face of incorrect project information.
Thorn Development’s representatives presented their stormwater permit application for a three-story building, integrating the majority of the stormwater management system beneath the parking area. The system’s design intends to capture and treat runoff effectively. Despite the property’s history as a peach farm with no identified wetland resource areas, concerns emerged regarding the direction of water flow and the influence on adjacent lands. The commission suggested using the same peer reviewer as the planning board to ensure consistency in the evaluation process. Inquiries about the inclusion of amenities such as sidewalks and pickleball courts prompted additional information from the presenters.
Residents took the opportunity during public comments to voice their apprehensions about the stormwater management’s potential repercussions on neighboring properties and the substantial water flow towards the golf course. The meeting concluded with an in-depth presentation of the proposed chamber system for managing stormwater.
Another topic of significance was the debate over the stormwater management system for a separate condominium project. The commission also debated the selection of a peer reviewer and the necessity of a wetland scientist to confirm wetland delineation. The potential strain on resources, including water supply and local schools, was a focal point of the conversation. Additionally, the commission agreed to a one-year extension for the current order of conditions in managing invasive plants in two local ponds, after some debate about the possible changes in the management plan over time.
The commission also dealt with non-compliance issues on a property where the owner had removed trees and graded land without the necessary permits. Given the property’s location in a watershed area, the impact on stormwater management was particularly concerning, prompting the commission to insist on corrective measures, including tree replacement.
Further discussions raised questions about another property’s compliance, where there was uncertainty over whether a water feature was a pond or a stream. The need for peer reviews for future projects was emphasized, considering the possible legal implications for engineers providing incorrect information. The commission considered the potential financial and legal ramifications, as well as the necessity to liaise with the Department of Environmental Protection and possibly involve the Town Council.
Other matters addressed included the cleanup of the Stock and Shop at Basin, the reestablishment of the Alwife Committee, and the approval of bills. The commission also recognized the need to extend an agreement with Solitude Management and anticipated future discussions on policies and procedures.
Cody Haddad
Environmental Commission Officials:
Kathy Evans, Edward Lane, Kimberley King-Cavicchi, Melanie Martin-Plant
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Meeting Type:
Environmental Commission
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Meeting Date:
03/12/2024
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Recording Published:
03/14/2024
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Duration:
72 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Plymouth County
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Towns:
Halifax
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