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Conservation Meeting Minutes 01/07/2010





Conservation Commission
              Meeting
        January 7, 2010


Peg Arguimbau Chairman, Stephen Cremer, Keevin Geller, Elizabeth McGrath, Hank Langstroth, and Meredith deCarbonnel were the members present.

7:45 p.m., Rick Merrikin, from Merrikin Engineering, discussed development options with the Commission, regarding the vacant property on Rte. 1 across from the Lexus Dealership:

Rick Merrikin appeared before the Commission and presented the following documents:
  • Scheme 1 entitled, “Boston Providence Highway Study Plan, Plan of Land in Sharon, MA, 11/15/09 Last Date Revised.”  
  • Scheme 2 entitled, “Boston Providence Highway Study Plan, Plan of Land in Sharon, MA, 12/8/09 Last Date Revised.”
Rick Merrikin explained to the Commission that the owner of the vacant property, located on the southern portion of the Stop and Shop Gas Station, is proposing to donate the property for the construction of an Iranian Catholic Church, including a rectory for the priest, classrooms, and function hall. The church is being proposed outside of the 100’ Buffer Zone on the site. The other buildings are being proposed approximately 50’ away from the wetland resource areas on the site. The installation of the proposed septic system, including the expansion area, will be designed primarily in accordance with the Board of Health Regulations. The driveway for the priest and some parking areas are being proposed approximately 25’ - 35’ away from the wetlands on the site. The existing brook on this property flows through a culvert that travels beneath Rte. 1 before discharging onto the Lexus Dealership site. There is an upland area on the proposed site adjacent to a wooded area near Rte. 95.  The stormwater drainage system is being proposed beneath the proposed parking area. Rick Merrikin has reviewed the preliminary plans with the Board of Health and is planning to request a variance for the expansion area for the proposed septic system. A variance permitted by the Board of Health would allow for the proposed buildings be constructed further away from the wetlands on the site. Rick Merrikin has also reviewed the preliminary plans with Building Inspector and was advised to meet with the Zoning Board of Appeals to request variances regarding setback requirements for the proposed church buildings.
The Commission made the following suggestions:
  • To reduce the size of the proposed function hall, design it further back, or place it on the
     other side of the church in an effort to keep it away from the 100’ Buffer Zone on the site.
  • To re-design the parking area to be at least 50’ away from the wetlands on the site, or as close to Rte. 95 as possible.
  • To determine whether the access roadway is adequate for two-way traffic on the parcel.
  • To establish whether the size of the existing culvert beneath the access roadway is adequate to control any potential stormwater runoff from the site.
  • To review the accuracy of the wetland line that was previously flagged on the site by Colonial Engineering.
The Commission offered guidance for Rick Merrikin to comply with the 100’ No Build requirement and adhere to the 50’ No disturb, in an effort to keep the buildings and parking area away from the
100’ Buffer Zone as much as possible.
Rick Merrikin discussed the following options with the Commission in an effort to keep the proposed buildings and parking area further away from the wetlands on the site:
  • To relocate the proposed function hall inside the basement of the proposed church.
  • To relocate the proposed classroom and rectory within the same building.
  • To eliminate 4-5 parking spaces.
Rick indicated that he would arrange another meeting with the Commission upon completion of a formal proposed plan.


Page 2 SCC 1/7/10 Meeting Minutes

8:00 p.m., David McKinley, from Kaestle Boos Associates, discussed preliminary plans for the Middle School Project, with the Commission:

David McKinley, Landscape Architect, from Kaestle Boos Associates, appeared before the Commission to present preliminary plans for the Middle School Expansion Project. There is no additional encroachment on the 100’ Buffer Zone due to the proposed project. Wetland Resource Areas exist along the eastern portion of the parcel. The Applicant is requesting a variance from the Commission for encroaching inside the
50’ No Disturb for the proposed fire road around the building.
David McKinley explained the following scope, including the changes to the proposed project, since his last meeting with the Commission in 2002:  
  • A new parking proposal involves additional parking spaces in front of the new track area with additional parking beneath the building. A stacking lane is also being proposed for parking along Mountain Street.
  •   Five tennis courts are proposed for the project.
  • The baseball diamond, track and field areas would remain unchanged for the proposed project.
  •      The primary proposed construction of the project consists of a two-story building, in front of the existing building, with renovations to the remainder of the building.
  • A proposed new two-story wing on the existing building that includes a central administration area, and 6th Grade classrooms in the upper story of the building.
  • There is a proposal to elevate the catch basins 8” higher than the surrounding area and rip-rap is being proposed around the catch basins. All new drainage systems brought up to current standards are proposed for the new parking areas and driveways. The installation of new deep sump catch basins and water quality structures are proposed so that they can provide treatment to improve the current drainage system. ~Groundwater recharge is proposed in the courtyard area to accommodate the roof drains.~An underground retention area is being proposed to control any potential stormwater runoff. David McKinley is trying to encourage the Building Committee to consider installing a green roof for the proposed project.
(The Commission requested David McKinley to highlight the 100’ Buffer Line on the
proposed drainage plan.)
  • The proposed project involves a proposal to install tree pits for cleaning the stormwater runoff  along the proposed bus loop.
  • The planting plan around the courtyards will consist of dry meadow type plants.
  •   A new playground is being proposed for the early education program. The proposed  pavement for the playground will consist of a porous rubber surface.
  •   The proposed project involves having the effluent from the Middle School flow to the sewage treatment at the High School in place of installing a septic system.
  •   A proposed de-watering plan due to the installation of a water main pipes in the trenches along East/Mountain Streets.
    David McKinley is requesting a variance from the Commission for the 50’ No Disturb Line around the existing vernal pool area or the proposed walkway for an egress for students, and a fire road around the building.
(The Commission expressed reservations about the extent of the intrusion into the 50’ No   Disturb Line and along the area of the existing vernal pool on the site. The Commission also discussed  pavement alternatives for the proposed walkway.)
  • Tree clearing is proposed along the existing Tennis Court area for the proposed project.
  • The installation of a segmented retaining wall is being proposed to minimize the impact to the 100’ Buffer Zone on the site.
The Applicant proposes to request the following variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals:
  • Natural cover: After construction, approximately 14% instead of the 50% ZBA Mandate.
  • Coverage: 38% impervious surface instead of the 15% ZBA Mandate.
David McKinley indicated that he plans to contact the Town Engineer, the Fire Department, and the Building Committee to discuss pavement alternatives before reporting back to the Commission.






Page 3 SCC 1/7/10 Meeting Minutes

8:45 p.m., Old/New Business:

Stewardship Fee for the proposed Massapoag Sportsmen’s Club land swap:
Peg reviewed an e-mail from Attorney Bob Ford, Massachusetts Audubon’s Land Protection Specialist, suggesting that the stewardship should be combined for all three Conservation Restriction areas into one package for the Massachusetts Audubon Society to steward and monitor. This would accomplish a substantial savings for the Town. The Massachusetts Audubon Society would perform the necessary stewardship for all three Conservation Restriction areas, including the Mass Audubon Society’s co-held Conservation Restriction area, totaling $20,000 as opposed to $36,000 if paid separately.
The Commission agreed with Peg’s suggestion to submit an application to the Community Preservation Committee to obtain funds for the stewardship fee.
Peg called for a motion for Hank Langstroth, on behalf of the Commission, to submit a request to the Community Preservation Committee to secure funding for the Massachusetts Audubon Society Stewardship fee for the three Conservation Restriction areas.
Stephen Cremer moved. Hank Langstroth seconded. Voted. 5-0-1.

8:50 p.m., Signatures:

The Commission signed bills. Order of Conditions for Jonathan Cohen, 203 Mountain Street,
DEP File Number SE-280-0511. Extension Permit for Order of Conditions for Thomas Altieri,
30 Norwood Street, Lot 4, DEP File Number SE-280-0469. Deed from Joseph and Irene McCarthy for
12 Cedar Park Road. Deed from Florence Einis for land by Bramble Lane that is contiguous to
Conservation Land.

9: 00 p.m., Approve Past Meeting Minutes:

Peg called for a motion to approve the December 17, 2009 Meeting Minutes as presented.
Hank Langstroth moved. Keevin Geller seconded. Voted. 4-0-2.

9:10 p.m., Adjournment:

Peg called for a motion to adjourn.
Stephen Cremer moved. Keevin Geller seconded. Voted. Unanimous.


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