The most notable topic at the meeting was the approval of a new garage on Fenton Drive. The garage, intended for additional storage, is to be built within the buffer zone of an intermittent stream. Ryan Nelson from Arloc Associates presented the project on behalf of the property owner, Mr. Paxton. The project had been under consideration for over a year, and a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals had already been secured due to the non-conforming nature of the property concerning setbacks.

Nelson detailed the property’s features, highlighting two ephemeral streams that traverse it, one of which drains into a catch basin. The proposed garage site was chosen to minimize disruption and maintain access to the backyard. Concerns were raised about the potential water impact, but Nelson assured the commission that the stream was not significant, describing it as a shallow channel that primarily collected leaves. The drainage plan for the garage included directing roof runoff to a stone riprap outlet, eventually connecting back to the stream and catch basin.

James Allen, a neighbor, spoke in favor of the project, describing the stream as a “glorified ditch” and asserting that historical water flow patterns would not threaten the garage foundation. The commission considered the stream’s classification, noting that while state regulations might not apply, local bylaws did, giving them jurisdiction over the decision.

After discussing drainage and environmental concerns, the commission reached a consensus that the garage’s location was sensible. They noted that the garage floor would be higher than the stream. A motion was made to approve the Notice of Intent with standard conditions, including a $10,000 bond, which was unanimously approved.

In other business, the commission considered a request for a certificate of compliance for a property on Hillside Road. A site inspection showed that some areas of grass were patchy, and while boulders were installed, they were not prominently visible. The bio-retention area had cattails but lacked the recommended plant species. The commission decided to table the request until substantial compliance could be confirmed via a certified letter.

The meeting included an update on the 401 water quality certificate for Noble Steed Crossing, with the National Habitat for Endangered Species having signed off, and the commission awaiting a response from the Army Corps of Engineers. They also discussed erosion issues at Seven Longard Road, considering options like extending rip rap or installing a pipe to restore the area naturally. Both options would require tree removal, and a formal project description was expected in a month.

Trash collection at conservation areas was another topic of concern, with a large bag of trash recently removed from Randall Gorge. The commission debated the removal of bins in problematic areas until the building and grounds department was fully staffed.

A recurring topic was the need for mowing at the Sophonowski community garden area. A local lawn care service provided a verbal quote of $300 per mowing, but there was concern about the service’s willingness to take on the job. The commission also discussed a quote from Joe Lebertie of Lakeside Outdoor Services for bi-weekly mowing at $50, lower than previous expenses. The commission was in favor of a more frequent mowing schedule to maintain the area’s appearance.

The commission also addressed the formation of an open space committee and the need for more volunteers. Preparations for a community workday on August 23rd were discussed, with plans to replace split rails at Woodland Ridge. Additionally, there was talk of reroofing the Granville Gorge structure, with a Wednesday installation planned.

Lastly, the commission turned to a possible violation on Brookshire Avenue, where a silt fence was not installed as required. An enforcement order was delayed in transit, and the property owner had not responded to emails. In contrast, compliance was noted on Brookshire Avenue.