In the public comment section, Michelle Pratt, a resident, raised alarms about activities on Berkshire A, highlighting the potential environmental degradation due to extensive tree removal and earth extraction. These activities have raised concerns about their impact on the adjacent lake and Middle Pond downstream. Pratt referenced a previous cease and desist order on the property and mentioned communication from an engineer, Mr. Pale, who was supposed to oversee the work. An issue was a GoFundMe campaign initiated by the father of property owner Mr. Baldelli. This campaign, which Pratt described as deceptive, claimed that the town requested the creation of a retention pond at the site, leading to financial and mental distress for Baldelli due to town-imposed fines. Pratt urged the commission to remain vigilant regarding these activities.

The meeting then proceeded to a public hearing on a proposed development on South Lumis Street. The project, represented by Ryan Nelson from Arloca Associates, involves constructing three single-family homes with associated infrastructure within a wetland buffer zone. Nelson detailed the existing conditions and emphasized that most construction would be outside the critical 50-foot buffer zone, requiring only minimal disturbance for driveway access. The commission scrutinized the project’s stormwater management plan, which includes a retention basin designed to handle a 100-year storm event. Concerns were raised about the implications of water drainage from uphill lots to downhill properties and the maintenance responsibilities for shared drainage easements. The commission highlighted the need for coordination with the planning board and potential additional permits for the common driveway.

A site visit to the 6 South Lumis Street property was scheduled for December 4, with discussions about the need to ensure wetland flags were still in place. Participants addressed potential financial matters surrounding common drives and the requirement for operating agreements under subdivision regulations. The commission acknowledged the need for clarification on bylaws limiting the number of lots sharing a drive.

Another public hearing involved a Notice of Intent for a property on Sunnyside Road, also represented by Ryan Nelson. The project seeks permission for constructing a single-family dwelling within the buffer zone, utilizing an existing farm access route without tree removal. The proposal includes additional structures like a pool and an accessory dwelling unit, with a septic system location determined by percolation tests. Although the project was described as having minimal environmental impact, concerns arose about the need for stormwater applications due to the extent of disturbance, as the project exceeds one acre. The commission emphasized resolving compliance issues related to wetland replication before further project approvals.

The agenda also included a public hearing concerning a request for determination on Sheep Pasture Road. Ryan Nelson presented details about the property, emphasizing the presence of riverfront areas and wetland systems. Discrepancies between GIS data and real-world observations led to a motion to accept the on-the-ground wetland delineation, which passed unanimously.

The commission addressed ongoing and old business, including a fall planting plan for the North Pond Conservation Area. The Open Space Committee was to be contacted for assistance, and updates were provided on a project at South Longyard Road, where a Notice of Intent is anticipated. The commission also discussed the status of a retaining wall project on Lake Fee Drive and a dead tree in the conservation area.