The most topic of discussion revolved around Toll Brothers’ Wood Farms development, where a violation concerning tree removal within a buffer zone was revealed. During a pre-construction meeting, it was agreed that a 15-foot wide limit of work would be maintained for the installation and maintenance of a surface runoff trench. However, it was reported that Toll Brothers had cleared a wider area than permitted, leading to the removal of approximately 15 trees beyond the designated buffer zone. The commission had previously requested detailed sketches to understand the limits of impact on the buffer zone and resource areas.

Questions arose about whether the tree removals extended into conservation-restricted areas. Commission members highlighted the necessity of expanding their review to include trees cut outside the buffer zone, given their responsibility for the conservation area. One member expressed concerns about the management of the clearing process, questioning whether trees slated for removal had been individually marked, as is standard practice. The lack of clear marking protocols might have prevented the over-clearing.

Another member supported this viewpoint, asserting that marking individual trees for selective cutting is a standard practice, rather than just marking a general line. The need for more specific marking requirements in future projects was emphasized. The discussion then shifted to the impact of the tree removals and the necessary mitigation. It was noted that past projects had required a two-to-one replacement ratio for trees removed, and it was suggested that this standard be applied in this case as well.

The commission also debated whether the Toll Brothers would be willing to plant mitigation trees in areas outside the buffer zone to ensure replanting success. One member emphasized the importance of consulting the Open Space Preservation Commission regarding the future management of the property, which is intended to become open space land.

In addition to the tree removal issue, the meeting included a discussion on the ongoing construction project and its impact on local wetlands. This included the installation of drainage infrastructure. A contractor suggested that plantings could be introduced within the buffer zone without compromising the drainage system. The commission agreed on the importance of mitigating invasive species through increased plantings. However, they sought clarity regarding the long-term functionality of the drainage infrastructure and its management during the planting process.

There was a consensus that additional erosion controls, such as a silt fence, should be implemented on the wetland side of the drainage easement to prevent environmental damage. The urgency of installing the drainage infrastructure promptly was reflected in the commission’s order.

The need for a planting plan was discussed, ideally prepared by a landscape architect, to ensure the commission would not bear the burden of determining the suitability and survival of proposed plantings. It was noted that all proposed plantings should consist of native species.

The meeting also addressed the introduction of Critter crossing signs to enhance driver awareness about potential wildlife in the area. The plan includes three educational signs near a proposed rain garden by the school and near the stormwater basin at the rear of the recess area.

A proposal was considered to include additional shrub and sapling plantings within the buffer zone, focusing on Eastern red cedar and red maples. Concerns were raised about the hemlocks at the southern entrance and their susceptibility to the Woolly Adelgid disease. The updated stormwater plan maintained existing systems while introducing a new basin to reduce water velocity leaving the site.

The commission discussed the necessity of defining temporary and permanent stabilization of disturbed areas. The Construction General Permit limits contractors to a maximum of five acres of land disturbance at any given time, providing a framework to mitigate concerns about large-scale clearing and its associated risks.