The meeting commenced with a detailed review of a proposed project involving the construction of a trail and wooden viewing platform on Boston Road, part of the Jenny Lulus Reservation. Dave Rer from the Greenbelt Association presented the plan, emphasizing the importance of creating accessible trails as part of the Greenbelt’s broader initiative. The trail is designed to be five feet wide with a maximum grade of 2%. The project includes minimal vegetation clearing, primarily of smaller undergrowth, and aims to reuse spoils for trail edge improvements when feasible. A staging area for materials and equipment was identified in the parking lot, with potential for unloading larger equipment on the street.

Commission members raised various questions about the project, particularly regarding the existing trail conditions and the replacement of a steep section with the new ADA-compliant path. The steep trail closure is mandated by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife as part of a conservation easement requirement. Concerns about tree removal practices were addressed, with assurances that efforts would be made to dig out root balls to minimize soil disturbance. The commission proposed a site visit to better assess the project’s impact, tentatively scheduled for a Tuesday morning, with final details pending.

Further inquiries focused on the existing boardwalk crossing a wetland area, which has been in place for about 15 years. The boardwalk, built on sleeper foundations with wooden planks, remains in good condition but lacks a formal maintenance plan. The durability of such structures generally spans 20 to 30 years. A member highlighted the need for a maintenance plan for the new trail and associated structures, emphasizing its importance for future care.

The commission then shifted to discuss a minor modification request related to an existing order of conditions for work on Northern Boulevard. The request involved adding a generator, initially planned close to the house but later proposed on a 24-inch elevated platform in a gravel driveway to avoid disturbing vegetation. The procedural aspect of the modification was scrutinized, as no formal written request had been submitted. Typically, such requests are handled through a Request for Determination (RDA) process. The commission agreed that the RDA route would expedite the process and provide better documentation.

The conversation also addressed the generator’s installation requirements, particularly the elevated platform due to the property being in a velocity zone. A concrete base was deemed unsuitable, with helical piles suggested as a more appropriate solution. The absence of a formal request was noted as a potential hindrance to decisive action. The commission ultimately agreed to proceed with the RDA approach, encouraging the property owner’s representative to submit the necessary paperwork to streamline the approval process.

Another discussion involved the construction of a platform and the inclusion of protective measures such as bollards to safeguard the generator unit. Members expressed general approval of the proposal, emphasizing the need for detailed construction plans and vehicle protection measures. Diane O’Brien clarified the difference between an RDA and a field adjustment, noting that a field adjustment would not apply in this instance as it involved a full addition rather than a modification.

The commission also revisited a project discussion concerning Wiffle Tree Works at One Marshmal Lane, which had been navigating through the planning board and select board due to the need for a special permit. The project, still in its early stages, had no formal submission but included a narrative about their intentions. Previous discussions involved the site’s use for weddings and parking logistics, with a recommendation to file as a 501(c)(3) to streamline aspects of the approval process. The need for more information on existing conservation easements and potential approval from the Secretary of State or the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) was discussed.

In administrative matters, the commission discussed the status of ongoing projects, including an extension order for salt restoration that had not yet been received. The necessity to update the beach management plan to prevent the need for emergency certificates was identified as a priority, with a suggested timeline for the late fall or early winter. Recruitment of new commission members was also discussed, noting the significant time commitment required.