Conservation Commission
TOWN OF PRINCETON
BOARD/COMMITTEE: PRINCETON CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
DATE: June 15, 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, Jennifer Vuona, Bonnie Hirsh
Members in attendance remotely: none
Applicants and others in attendance: Gerry Pellegrini, Rick Gardner, Holly Palmgren, Leslie Regh, Doug Andrysick
Applicants and others in attendance remotely: Rod Kalberer
Votes taken in the following actions are “all in favor unless” noted otherwise.
Brian Keevan called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
Item 1: Approval of minutes: Minutes from the May 16, 2023 meeting were approved with minor edits at 7:04PM.
Item 2: 7:06 PM Continued Public Hearing for a Notice of Intent (DEP File #267-****) filed by the Town of Princeton Highway Department for general repair and maintenance of town roads, culverts, and drainage infrastructure. Requested by DPW to continue over this NOI, public hearing was re-opened at 7:06pm, no file number yet received, vote to continue to next hearing (June 29, 2023).
Item 3: 7:07-7:26 PM Consider a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Rick Gardner of the Princeton Open Space Committee for development of a footpath within Buffer Zone on undeveloped land of Ethan Stern on Brooks Station Road, Map 15 Parcel 5. This path on the Stern Property will make connections to mid-state and Wachusett trails, this will make further connections to allow people to hike towards the mountain and Brooks Station Road, part of the intent to make trail connections throughout town. Private property owner reached out and wants to allow the trail across his property, has intent to possibly build a house there within 5 years. RDA requests determination on a and c. Discussion that part of the path is definitely within the buffer zone, discussed options for RDA determinations, negative 1-5. Discussion that the Commission can issue a negative determination with conditions if wanted, concerns with motorized vehicles. Brief recess called at 7:19pm, issues with virtual meeting, reconnected at 7:21pm. Motion to issue a negative determination #3, and add a condition of no motorized vehicles. Vote to issue at 7:26pm.
Item 4: 7:26PM Consider a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Scott Mellecker of 532B Hubbardston Road for paving of a common driveway within Buffer Zone. Unfortunately the advertisement didn’t get into the paper in time, so will have to pass over this item until it is properly noticed.
Item 5: 7:28 -8:00 PM Public Hearing for a Notice of Intent (DEP File #267-**** ) filed by Carlo and Karen Marazzi of 166 Wheeler Road for additions to a single family home and associated grading within the Buffer Zone. Hearing opened. Site visit was conducted on June 14th, present at the site visit were Brian Keevan, Jennifer Vuona, and Doug Andrysick. Doug Andrysick presented the plan for the work as noted in the NOI. Property owner wants to add three additions to the home. Two of which are outside WPA jurisdiction. Third addition is approximately 110ft from wetlands, grading within the buffer zone is 80ft from wetlands. Erosion controls shown at edge or grading and up around property. House built with Order of Conditions in 2003 and Certificate of Compliance issued in 2006 with on-going conditions relating only to the driveway. No new bedrooms being added. Addition under jurisdiction is planned to be an indoor pool. Neighbor, Leslie Regh, questioned the height of the addition in comparison to the existing house, which will be the same. Leslie Regh also asked what is the purpose of the buffer zone. To help protect the wetland and control erosion. Brian Keevan explained how the buffer would help to prevent erosion into the wetland. Leslie asked how water will flow, Doug Andrysick showed existing and proposed grading has water flowing in the same direction, and volume doesn’t change. Leslie Regh asked if more water will come towards her hay fields. No, there will be no additional water, the water will flow down from the property at 166 Wheeler as it does now and into the wetland. Brian Keevan explained and showed through Mass Mapper on computer how water moves in this area, especially in relation to Leslie Regh’s property and hay fields. Reviewed proposed erosion controls and specifications in plans, straw wattles and silt fence. Discussion of possible need to dewater during work, plan is for this addition to be constructed in August, taking advantage of the dry season. Should add a special condition that if dewatering is needed, must do it outside the buffer zone. Slope is 3:1 with proposed loam and seed, which approximates existing slope. Cannot close hearing or issue orders as there is no DEP File# issued yet. Motion and vote to continue hearing to June 23, 2023 at 8:00pm.
Other Business/Procedures:
Letter on All Terrain Vehicles using wetland area at 264 Mirick Rd based on a citizen complaint. Received response letter from property owner who agreed to place sign and request people not to cross wetlands on the property.
Another issue with ATV use on Mirick by Beaman Rd, observed impacts to wetlands.
The Conservation Commission website needs some updates, Jennifer Vuona and Bonnie Hirsch have agreed to look at updating and adding information to the website.
Next meeting: Next meeting is June 29, 2023
NOI spreadsheet update: no update
Building Permit subcommittee:
Reviewed questions on a filing at 226B Sterling Rd and whether or not a site visit is needed. Decided need to review in the field to confirm if any wetlands.
Discussion of various Rhodes Rd parcels and building happening there. Brian Keevan will ask to visit lot at 2 Rhodes Rd to verify buffer zone.
Forest cutting plans:
NORCO - Gleason and Houghton Rd
Commission Other Business, Mail, Procedures, etc.:
Recording information received for DEP File #267-0452
Acknowledgement of Receipt and Understanding received for DEP File #267-0451
Commissioners voted to adjourn at 8:49 PM
Respectfully submitted, Holly Palmgren