A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to the ongoing enforcement order on West Main Street, represented by Scott Adams from Advanced Engineering Group. The property, used as a barber shop since the 1980s, faced scrutiny following aggressive contractor cleanup efforts that led to the issuance of the enforcement order. Adams recounted that his firm had only recently become aware of these issues, prompting a swift response involving a detailed site survey and the engagement of a licensed Wetland scientist to flag Wetland boundaries.

The enforcement order required a comprehensive mitigation plan to restore the disturbed areas. Adams detailed this plan, which included repaving the parking lot and the addition of a handicap ramp. Despite having an approved Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA), the contractor’s actions necessitated further intervention. The plan’s focal point was the 97-foot contour marking for replication, with a specific planting schedule outlining the species to be planted in the buffer and Wetland areas. Notably, the existing septic system and leach field were found to encroach upon the 25-foot no-touch zone, a situation that had been temporarily addressed with emergency stabilization efforts using straw. Adams clarified this choice, correcting an earlier misreference to hay, which is prohibited.

A particular concern raised during the meeting was the condition of a tree on the property that had been debarked, leaving its health in question. The consensus was that the tree, assessed as potentially dead, should be removed promptly to prevent future complications. The importance of handling this before implementing the new plantings was emphasized, as waiting could necessitate costly crane work. The members considered the impact of tree removal on the nearby septic system, stressing the need for a qualified service to mitigate potential damage.

In addition to the enforcement order on West Main Street, discussions moved to a pending Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) number for the project. The absence of this number had delayed the drafting of an order, but efforts to expedite the process were ongoing, with expectations of resolution before the next meeting scheduled for February 10th.

The meeting also dealt with other projects, such as the order of conditions for a lawn extension on Bay Road. This order was standard, with one exception concerning authorized activities, and was unanimously approved after brief deliberation.

Attention then shifted to potential new developments. An amendment to the project on South Worcester was introduced, proposing a change from a warehouse to a landscape yard, necessitating comprehensive reviews from stormwater, site plan, and planning board perspectives. Another project on South Washington Street was highlighted, involving simultaneous closure of an existing project and submission of a new design.

The commission also reviewed an application for an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) for 260 South Washington. This application sought to verify wetlands on a vacant lot adjacent to a billboard project, a step critical for potential development. Discussions at the meeting covered the procedural steps and implications of such a development, emphasizing the need for thorough verification.

Furthermore, members deliberated potential changes to the rodeo property on North Washington Street. Questions arose about the property’s agricultural designation and whether it had a registered farm number, which could influence future developments. The importance of understanding and adhering to regulations governing agricultural land and Wetland considerations was underscored.