Conservation Commission
Meeting
September 18, 2003
Peg Arguimbau Chairman, Stephan Glicken, Peter Holden, were the members present. Hank Langstroth arrived at 8:00 p.m.
7:45 p.m., N.O.I. Public Hearing. Applicant- Gary Steinberg, 298 Mansfield St. Installation of
in-ground pool. DEP# SE-280-441:
Gary Steinberg appeared before the Commission.
Jane Cote from Easton Pool & Spa represented the applicant and submitted the green abutter cards to the Commission.
The Commission reviewed proposed plan from Easton Pool & Spa dated 8/5/03.
Jane explained to the Commission that the limit of work for the proposed project is approximately 58' from the edge of the wetlands. The proposed size of the pool is 20 x 36. The pool is located 120' from the stream on the property.
The entire proposed project is in the lawn area.
Comments are pending from The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program regarding habitat issues.
The Commission established that the location of the proposed project is not outlined accurately on the Plan submitted.
Peg determined that the Commission would re-visit the site and requested that the applicant submit a new plan.
Peg called for a motion to continue the hearing until October 2nd at 7:45 p.m.
Stephan moved. Peter seconded. Voted. Unanimous.
8:05 p.m., Dr. Fred Martin, Discussion of King Philip's Rock:
Mike Levine, 157 Mansfield Street, was present in the audience.
Peg explained that the ZBA is requesting the Commission's position regarding the Special Permit for the 40 B.
Dr. Martin expressed to the Commission the importance of the archeology issues and structures at King Philip's Rock.
Dr. Martin listed the following conservation values that he considers to be valid evidence for the ZBA, and if necessary, for an appeal to the Housing Appeals Court.
The prior actions of the Town:
1.1) The Town accepted 50 acres for Conservation purposes.
1.2) The Town purchased 100 acres for Conservation purposes.
The current use of the land is Open Space:
2.1) The site land and the abutting land -second growth woods.
View from abutting land - scenic archaeological site at King Philip's Rock.
4. Height, bulk, and placement of the housing:
4.1) Proposed Houses are 25' tall and the top of the hill is 75' above the surrounding
land.
4.2) The archaeological site is located 200 yards away from the top of the hill of the proposed 40-B.
Dr. Martin suggested that the Commission recommend to the ZBA that the density of the houses not be increased in the open space area and to emphasize the importance of preserving the scenic view of the archaeological site.
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Dr. Martin presented the Commission with an overview of a meeting that he attended
earlier today with Greg, Mr. Wluka, and Mr. Wluka's Son, regarding negotiations for the
proposed project.
The following three options were discussed at the meeting:
A price for the property.
The cost for building 2 houses plus cash or a tax deduction for donating a
portion of the land.
1 house, cash, and a tax deduction.
Another meeting with Mr. Wluka will be arranged at a later date.
Dr. Martin informed the Commission that a petition with approximately 250 signatures has been submitted
to the ZBA requesting a denial of the comprehensive permit to construct 12 units of low or moderate income housing at 152 Mansfield St.
Peg determined that the Commission would draft a document to the ZBA regarding the comprehensive permit. The letter will express the Commission's concerns regarding conservation values and request that the ZBA continue the hearing while the Commission pursues various alternatives.
8:40 p.m. Peter Dangelo, Hearing continuance, 140 Maskwonicut Street. DEP# SE-280-431:
Peter Dangelo appeared before the Commission and reviewed the previous submitted plan dated July 18, 2002.
Mr. Dangelo explained to the Commission the scope of the proposed project:
The installation of a filtration barrier.
The encroachment of the 50' No Disturb to install a lawn.
Relocating the existing driveway approximately 10' for the purpose of alleviating safety
concerns.
Mr. Dangelo stated that no permits have been obtained at this time for the proposed project.
Peg concluded that the Commission would visit the proposed site to review the back of the property.
The Commission determined to continue the hearing until October 2.
9:00 p.m., Executive Session:
Peg called for a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss Rattlesnake
Hill.
Hank moved. Peter seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 4-0-0.
9:15 p.m. The Commission moved out of Executive Session.
9:20 p.m. Signatures:
The Commission signed bills. Certificate of Compliance for Algonquin Gas Co., Canton Street at Junction with MBTA High Speed Commuter Rail. SE-280-424.
9:30 p.m. Approve Past Meeting Minutes:
Peg called for a motion to approve the August 7, 2003 Meeting Minutes as amended with corrections.
Hank moved. Peter Seconded. Voted. 3-0-1.
9:35 p.m. Adjournment:
Peg called for a motion to adjourn. Hank moved. Stephan seconded. Voted. Unanimous.
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