Conservation Commission
Meeting
October 4, 2007
Peg Arguimbau Chairman, Stephen Cremer, and Janet Dunlap were the members present. Hank Langstroth
arrived at 7:50 p.m.
No Quorum at this time
7:45 p.m. T.J. Gillen - Boy Scout Beaver Brook Trail Project -Update:
Boy Scout T.J. Gillen, Troop 95 in Sharon, appeared before the Commission with a proposed Eagle Scout
Project to clean-up the Beaver Brook Trail. The entrance to the trail begins at Moose Hill Parkway and
continues along Farnham Road to Sandy Ridge Circle. It is part of the Bay Circuit Trail. The proposed work
includes trail markings along the Beaver Brook Trail, which is approximately 1.5 miles long. Trail signs are
proposed to be installed near the bridge by the Sharon Train Station and Depot Street. The addition of an
information kiosk is being considered at the trail entrance. Some of the younger Troop 95 Boy Scouts will
assist with the clean-up of leaves and debris along the trail. T.J. Gillen proposes to redefine a portion of the
trail in the middle of the woods by raking out the narrow sections of the trail.
Peg explained to T.J. Gillen that the Commission recommends the trail only be wide enough to provide a
visible corridor for public use.
Quorum - Hank Langstroth arrived
The proposed work includes the removal of any overhanging branches and fallen trees along the trail.
Some parents of the scouts have volunteered to provide chainsaw equipment and perform log cutting
and brush/tree clearing work for the proposed project. T.J. Gillen also proposes to clean out any debris
from the tree house on the site for the project. The brush/tree clearing debris will be removed from the site
and disposed of at the Farnham Road Dumpsite.
Peg inquired as to the time schedule for completing the proposed project.
T.J. Gillen indicated that he would need approximately 140 hours to complete the project.
(2 hours work performed by 70 Boy Scouts). He anticipates that the project would be completed by
November 10, 2007.
The Commission approved the proposed project with the following conditions:
· To submit a proposal to the Commission for all of the proposed work
· To contact the Commission upon completion of the proposed project
T.J. Gillen agreed to comply with the conditions as requested by the Commission.
8:00 p.m. N.O.I. Hearing continuance filed by Sharon CF II LP C/O Congress Group, Inc., for the proposed
roadway improvements within the existing layout of Old Post Road. Said improvements are desired for the
construction of the Sharon Commons Lifestyle Center. DEP File #SE-280-0491:
Ken Caputo and Hans Van Lingen from Coler and Colantonio appeared before the Commission. Wildlife
Habitat Evaluation and Wetland Mitigation and Replication Plans were presented to the Commission for
the proposed project. Ken Caputo also reviewed a proposed plan entitled, “Alternative Access Plan, Figure IV4-21,”
with the Commission
Page 2 SCC 10/4/07 Meeting Minutes
Mr. Caputo stated that the proposed project has been carefully designed to avoid any direct impacts to the
wetland resource areas on the site.
Peg inquired if there would be any further direct impacts to the 50’ Buffer on the site from the Applicant’s
proposal to expand the size of the second anchor building for the proposed development of the Sharon
Commons Lifestyle Center project.
Ken Caputo indicated that the criteria for changing the footprints of the buildings for the proposed project
would need to be approved by the Commission, ZBA, and MEPA. The outer perimeter of the proposed project
site would remain the same even if the size of the second anchor were to be increased. The amount of impervious
area on the site would not change from the proposed anchor expansion. The proposed stormwater management
plan would also remain the same. The Applicant proposes to eliminate the 8,000 sq. ft. pod from the initial plan to
provide space for the second anchor expansion. The limit of work would remain the same by the Applicant’s proposal
to expand the anchor approximately 15,000 sq.ft. further than previously proposed.
Greg expressed his concern that a portion of Anchor #1 is being proposed inside the100’ Buffer Zone.
This would result in setting a precedent with the Commission and the ZBA if the proposed plan was
approved for the project. He inquired if the Applicant had previously discussed ways to avoid this
precedent with the ZBA.
Ken Caputo indicated that the ZBA recommends that the plan be revised to reflect Anchor #1
outside of the 100’ Buffer Zone. The Applicant has agreed to comply with this request.
The protection of the IVWs, BVWs, and ponds on the site from the proposed project are outlined in
the erosion control plans for the proposed project.
Ken Caputo agreed to provide the Commission with a copy of the on-site stormwater management review letter
from Tom Houston. One of the comments made in Mr. Houston’s letter was to improve the erosion control
protection for the proposed project. Ken Caputo explained to the Commission that he is pursuing some
innovative techniques to address this issue.
The developer is planning to widen the Norfolk County Right of Way on Old Post Road for the proposed
project, and is giving a land donation to Norfolk County. This will be processed by a petition with the
Norfolk County Commissioners.
Ken Caputo is proposing to discontinue the access from Laurel Road to Old Post Road. There is no access
route through Old Post Road, without trespassing, at the present time. He is also proposing to discontinue the
access route at the Right of Way on Old Post Road from South Main Street to South Walpole Street. These two
traffic alterations would also require petitions. Ken Caputo explained to the Commission that the developer
proposes to maintain the infrastructure of Old Post Road until the property is sold. The maintenance plan
includes grass mowing and snow removal along areas of the roadway.
Ken Caputo explained to the Commission that the wetland impact to the bog area at the southern end of
Old Post Road is approximately 15,000 sq. ft. There is approximately 1,700 sq.ft. of impact to the BVWs
associated with the brook on the site. The flood plain impact involves approximately 11,900 sq. ft. of
Riverfront Area associated with the proposed roadway construction. Some excavation work is being
proposed at the Riverfront Area.
A replication plan is being proposed by the Applicant to restore the Riverfront area. The existing Cranberry
Bog area encroaches on the Old Post Road Right of Way.
Page 3 SCC 10/4/07 Meeting Minutes
Approximately 17,000 sq. ft of mitigation is being proposed in this area. Some duplication work is proposed
in the replication areas to mitigate the flood plain areas of the project site.
Ken Caputo explained that, based on the information received from Mr. Bottomley and the Commission,
Hans Van Lingen revised the initial replication plan to include replication of the bog area.
Hans Van Lingen explained to the Commission that the BVW replication plan is still at a 2:1 ratio.
In addition, one area of proposed flood plain mitigation would be squared off to help build more access
around the perimeter of the bog area. An upland area adjacent to Area 4 has been extended and
squared off to make an additional bog area. This replication plan will be above the 1:1 ratio in this area.
The proposed planting plan in this area will include a wetland seed mix. The proposed plantings for the bog
area will be followed according to Mr. Bottomley’s specifications. Some grade work is being proposed in
Areas 5 & 6 to meet the flood storage performance criteria and would be stabilized with a low caustic seed mix.
Ken Caputo agreed that it is important for the Applicant to address the concerns contained in the letter from
DEP before closing the hearings for the proposed projects. The Applicant is also seeking a Special Permit
from the ZBA to approve the proposed roadway improvements within the wetlands setback. Ken Caputo
requested that the Commission continue this hearing due to Applicant’s October 10, 2007 meeting with the ZBA.
The Commission agreed to continue the hearing for the proposed roadway improvements until
October 18, 2007.
Stephen Cremer moved to continue the hearing until 10/18/07. Hank Langstroth seconded. Voted. 3-0-1.
8:30 p.m. N.O.I. Public Hearing filed by Sharon CF II LP C/O Congress Group, Inc., for the proposed
development of the Sharon Commons Lifestyle Center, Old Post Road, Sharon, MA. A portion of the
proposed construction lies within the 100’ Buffer Zone. DEP File#SE-280-0490:
Ken Caputo explained to the Commission that the Applicant is meeting with the ZBA on October 10, 2007
for a special permit to allow the expansion of Anchor #1 to 135,000 sq. ft.
Ken Caputo requested a hearing continuance with the Commission for the proposed project due to
the Applicant’s upcoming meeting with ZBA. He also requested that the Commission address this
hearing simultaneously with the proposed roadway improvements for the Sharon Commons Lifestyle
Center.
The Commission agreed to comply with these requests.
Peg called for a motion to continue this hearing simultaneously with the proposed roadway improvements for
the Sharon Lifestyle Center until October 18, 2007.
Hank Langstroth moved. Stephen Cremer seconded. Voted. 3-0-1.
8: 35 p.m. Old/New Business:
Cranberry Bog Update:
Peg explained to the Commission that last week the Town filed an application to renew the 61A Form
concerning the 33 acres of the bog area on Old Post Road.
Page 4 SCC 10/4/07 Meeting Minutes
Open Space Planning:
The members of the Commission discussed Jennifer Goldson’s draft summary of their September 6, 2007
Meeting. The Commission agreed that the summary should reflect the Commission’s position that all Town
interests should be discussed, including recreation, when considering the protection of open space.
Preliminary Subdivision Filing – Brickstone Sharon LLC Site off Mountain Street:
Daylor Consulting Group, Inc., submitted a Preliminary Subdivision Plan, dated 10/1/07,
for Sharon Hills, to the Commission.
Open Space Survey Mailing:
Peg informed the Commission that the Open Space Surveys should be ready for mailing sometime next week.
The drop off boxes for the Open Space Survey returns will be available at the Library, Town Hall, Eastern Bank,
and the Sharon Train Station. The cost of the Open Space & Recreation Survey documents~including the~postage
is approximately $3,912.00, funded by the Community Preservation Account.
8:50 p.m. Approve Past Meeting Minutes:
Peg called for a motion to approve the June 7, 2007 no quorum meeting minutes as presented.
Hank Langstroth moved. Janet Dunlap seconded. Voted. Unanimous.
Peg called for a motion to approve the September 6, 2007 meeting minutes as amended.
Hank Langstroth moved. Janet Dunlap seconded. Voted. Unanimous.
Peg called for a motion to approve the September 20, 2007 meeting minutes as amended.
Hank Langstroth moved. Stephen Cremer seconded. Voted 3-0-1.
9:20 p.m. Signatures:
The Commission signed bills.
9:25 p.m. Adjournment:
Peg called for a motion to adjourn.
Hank Langstroth moved. Stephen Cremer seconded. Voted. Unanimous.
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