Conservation Commission
TOWN OF PRINCETON
BOARD/COMMITTEE: PRINCETON CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
DATE: FEBRUARY 21, 2023 TIME: 7:00 PM LOCATION: Town Hall Annex
Note: this public meeting and public hearing were conducted in person at the Annex, with a remote teleconferencing option available for public participation. Public participation details were posted with the agenda.
Members in attendance: Brian Keevan, Jenny Sanders, Victoria Taft, Bonnie Hirsh
Members in attendance remotely: Jennifer Vuona
Applicants and others in attendance: Rud Mason, Doug Andrysick
Applicants and others in attendance remotely: none
Votes taken in the following actions are “all in favor unless” noted otherwise.
Brian Keevan called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM.
Approval of minutes: Minutes from the January 17, 2023 meeting were approved as drafted at 7:07 PM.
Item 1: Public Hearing for a Notice of Intent (DEP File #267—xxxx – no number assigned at time of hearing) submitted by Peter Normandin for construction of a single family home and driveway on Lot 1A Hubbardston Road (Map 11 Parcel 2-1A). Doug Andrysick represented the homeowner and described the project. This property was formerly owned by the Town of Princeton and was sold to the current owner. The resource areas were delineated by Mary Ann DiPinto. About 26,000 ft of alteration is proposed in buffer zone. All septic components and system outside of buffer and wetland resources. Not a lot of grading or slopes pitched toward wetlands. Proposed grassy swale about ½ ft deep and 2’ wide to infiltrate driveway runoff with stone check dams to slow velocity. It will be mowed regularly. Driveway is proposed at 4% max grade. Closest point of the house is 92’ from wetland. They expect infiltration in the adjacent lawn from the house/roof runoff. Erosion control is clearly marked on the plans all along perimeter of project outside of buffer zone. Commissioners voted to continue the hearing to the next scheduled meeting on March 21, 2023.
Other Business/Procedures:
Review Solitude annual report for Paradise Pond work: Summary of the report contents was discussed.
Review Draft annual report: No updates.
Review Four Corners annual report and plan: The chair sent a reminder for the report and lease payment.
Commissioner updates on current open projects: Commissioners discussed progress on various projects around town.
NOI spreadsheet update: The chair will follow up with Bryanna on this.
Community Outreach Grant: We were awarded a $1,400 grant to host information sessions and create landowner packets to introduce the Conservation Commission and the work of the Commission to the community. Bonnie will follow up with the grant manager and discuss options for using the funds with/without the vernal pool project. Perhaps we will pursue use of the funds for an information packet for landowners.
Building Permit subcommittee: The committee members are now Bonnie and Victoria. The Commission discussed how the process will work moving forward given the resignation of Bryanna.
Highway Dept. General NOI subcommittee update: Commissioners discussed examples of General NOIs from nearby towns and recent revelations that others nearby are working on the same thing. The committee met with Town representatives in January 2023 to discuss options and what is needed in anything developed for Princeton. Next meeting is not yet set.
Forest cutting plans: none
Commission Other Business, Mail, Procedures, etc.: Bryanna Weigel resigned from the Commission via email. Bonnie will follow up with Bryanna and wish her well and tell her the options for future involvement with the Commission. The chair received correspondence from DEP regarding the appeal filed by abutters of the Porter property on Boylston Avenue. A site visit was conducted with DEP on February 21, 2023. The Porters stated that they are considering submitting a revised plan with a smaller footprint. Also, USFWS sent a letter stating they are releasing an updated version of Biomap. Go to mass.gov/biomap to see it.
Commissioners voted to adjourn at 9:00 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Jenny Sanders