The Charles Wood Elementary School project was a primary focus, as the commission examined a detailed proposal presented by LEC Environmental Consultants, along with representatives from Vertex, Perkins Eastman, Samiotes Consultants, and Traverse Landscape Architects. The project aims to address systemwide overcrowding by constructing a new school building, which will also accommodate anticipated student population growth. The site includes Marathon Elementary School and a single-family dwelling at the specified address. Tim Person from Hopkinton Public Schools provided context about the project’s origins and the partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority for funding.

The commission scrutinized the project’s adherence to local wetland protection regulations and discussed the extensive analysis conducted to determine the site and project design. Claire Hone detailed the wetland resource areas, erosion and sedimentation controls, construction entrances, site grading, stormwater management system, and utility connections. The planting plan was also a significant topic, highlighting the inclusion of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and native flowering perennials, alongside a proposed seed mix for specific site areas.

Further discussions revolved around the stormwater management plan, which aims to capture and treat stormwater through various detention and infiltration systems using updated precipitation data. The commission also considered permanent immovable barriers for the project, with suggestions to utilize boulders and rocks. Questions arose about the jurisdictional status of certain wetland areas and the design of a 12-inch pipe connecting two wetlands, leading to a proposal for a wildlife-friendly crossing.

The commission debated the scheduling of a site visit to assess the project’s impact, deliberating between a weekend or a weekday for the visit. Concerns about the PE field’s proximity to the wetlands led to discussions about potential alternatives. The commission decided to continue the hearing to their next meeting on July 30th to allow time for comments from the peer review.

In addition to the school project, the commission reviewed and approved a negative determination for a Request for Determination of Applicability application concerning the extension of a deck and roof, subject to additional erosion control measures during construction. The replacement of a dock on Oakhurst Road was also approved, with conditions related to mitigation plantings and the receipt of a chapter one approval prior to issuing a certificate of compliance.

The meeting addressed the rehabilitation of a commercial building on South Street, focusing on ensuring proper drainage by modifying pavement, curbing, and the catch basin. The commission requested clarification on the existing drainage infrastructure and the impact of proposed changes. The removal of debris and preservation of vegetation were also discussed.

The straightforward replacement of guardrails and the addition of erosion controls if necessary were also topics. Concerns about the adequacy of the stormwater system and its impact on the wetlands were raised, alongside the need for property maintenance.

A request for an RDA for adjustments to a property at One Fox Hollow Road included revisions such as a single retaining wall, changes to the orientation of the driveway, and a deck’s construction without prior approval. The commission emphasized stormwater management and the need for a future stormwater requirements plan, continuing the discussion to a later date pending further submissions from the applicant.

The commission discussed various other projects, including the approval of an application with an invasive species management plan and the proposal for a pickleball paddle facility. Concerns about invasive species management, stormwater pollution prevention, and maintenance of soil infiltration capacity were addressed.

The release of foundation permits within phase four of the Trails at Heritage Farms development was a significant item. Developer Mr. Vin Gatley requested the release of 10 to 48 foundation permits, and the commission agreed to release 10 lots with conditions related to future lot releases and milestones. The applicant was urged to provide a construction schedule and to adhere to SWIP reporting compliance.

Lastly, the commission discussed off-site mitigation work, including a drainage swale and a culvert replacement. Delays and discrepancies in SWIP reporting were of concern, with the commission advocating for tying the release of additional foundations to specific milestones related to the progress of off-site mitigation and reporting compliance.