Conservation Commission
Meeting
Sharon Community Center
February 17, 2011
Peg Arguimbau Chairman, Elizabeth McGrath and Meredith deCarbonnel were the members present.
Conservation Commission Member, Stephen Cremer, arrived at 8:00 p.m. Conservation Commission Members, Keevin Geller, Hank Langstroth, and Christine Turnbull, were absent from the meeting.
The Conservation Administrator, Greg Meister, was also present.
No Quorum at this time
7:45 p.m., N.O.I. Public Hearing filed by Everwood Camp Partners, LLC, for the proposed rehabilitation and improvements of the beach front area, including the installation and licensing of swimming docks at the former Horizons for Youth Camp, 125 Lakeview St., DEP File # SE-280-0522:
The Applicant of the proposed project, Scott Brody, was present at the meeting.
John Rockwood, Senior Environmental Scientist, from EcoTec, Inc., appeared before the Commission to represent the Applicant. He submitted the green abutter cards and the following proposed plans to the Commission entitled, “Existing Conditions Plan (Sheet 1 of 3) Proposed Project Plan (Sheet 2 of 3) Proposed Vegetation Management Plan (Sheet 3 of 3) for Everwood Day Camp, 229 Lakeview Street, (Lot 2) in Sharon, MA” dated February 1, 2011 and prepared by Norwood Engineering.
John Rockwood also submitted a document to the Commission entitled, “Site Report to Accompany Notice of Intent and MESA Project Review Checklist,” dated February 1, 2011 and prepared by EcoTec, Inc. John Rockwood explained to the Commission that the proposed thinning and pruning of the beach front vegetation to improve the vista of Lake Massapoag and address the safety concerns of the campsite would be completed under the supervision of a wetland scientist. The proposed project includes expanding the beach access from 100 feet to 120 feet.
Quorum - Stephen Cremer arrived at this point
The wetlands on the proposed project site were delineated in October 2010 by EcoTec, Inc., and approved by the Conservation Administrator.
John Rockwood explained the following proposed project to the Commission:
- Wetland Flag Numbers A1-A6 & A10-A29 delineated, on the proposed plan, defines the
Bordering Vegetated Wetlands Resource area associated with Lake Massapoag.
- Wetland Flag Numbers B1-B14, delineated on the proposed plan, defines the
Upper Boundary of the Bank Resource area associated with Lake Massapoag.
- Wetland Flag Numbers L1-L15, delineated on the proposed plan, defines the
Boundary of Land Under Water Bodies and Waterways Resource area associated
with Lake Massapoag.
- The Green Line on the proposed plan delineates the Bordering Land subject to flooding, and is based on the 100-year flood elevation.
- The Pink Line on the proposed plan defines the existing sandy beach area.
The existing beach area is proposed to be re-graded and extended slightly to the south, west, and to the north away from Lake Massapoag. The proposed installation of a concrete curb backfilled with beach sand and leaving a 4” reveal to act as a shallow retaining wall for the sandy beach area. Two sections of the curb are proposed to be installed at a lower elevation to provide access to the proposed dock. The installation of a straw wattle is being proposed downgradient of the beach area during the re-grading work for erosion control.
- The proposed beach expansion includes the removal of a red maple tree and an oak tree
to the east of the existing two-story wood structure and a birch tree located in the
northeastern portion of the proposed beach area. Several existing shrubs are also
proposed to be removed for the proposed project. The proposed project includes the installation of a post and rail fence to delineate the limits of the proposed beach area expansion.
Page 2 SCC 2/17/11 Meeting Minutes
- All of the existing retaining walls on the site are in disrepair and are proposed to be removed
for the project.
- The proposed tree removal concerning the proposed project is subject to the Tree Warden’s approval.
- The proposed mitigation includes a planting plan to restore the vegetation within the
BVWs and the Bordering Land Subject to Flooding of the project site.
- The proposed materials for the protection of the existing trees near the proposed beach
expansion area includes burlap wrap and 2 x 4s.
- The proposed project includes the installation of a floating Wibit Inflatable Raft held in place with concrete anchors. The raft is proposed to be installed seasonally.
- The proposed project also includes installation of an Alumi-Dock System (floating dock) held in place with concrete anchors. The floating dock is proposed to be installed seasonally.
- The invasive species plant/tree removal for the proposed project would be performed under
the direct supervision of a qualified wetland scientist in late September 2011.
Peg indicated that if the tree evaluation results in the removal of several trees due to unsafe conditions, then replication planting of trees shall be required in various areas of the project site but should not obstruct the vista of Lake Massapoag.
Scott Brody indicated that it would be his intention to work with the Commission to identify desirable tree species to plant on the proposed project site.
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife reviewed the proposed project and has determined that portions of the proposed project lie within the habitat of the Eastern Pondmussel and a rare plant, state-listed as Special Concern and Endangered, respectively. It is the opinion of the NHESP that the proposed project will not adversely affect the actual Resource Area habitat of the state-listed wildlife species. A copy of the letter from NHESP is recorded in the Commission’s office.
- The Applicant intends to install signage at 50’ intervals to help keep campers away from the
rare plant area during the period that the campsite is open.
It was the consensus of the Commission to approve the proposed project with the following Special Conditions:
- The proposed work shall generally progress as detailed within the Notice of Intent
“General Construction Sequence.”
- The Applicant shall contact the Conservation Administrator prior to the start of each phase
of the approved work and to arrange for associated compliance inspections, such as the
installation of erosion control, thinning to the beach front vegetation, and mitigation
planting.
- The Applicant shall install additional signage and access restriction measures, as needed, along the perimeter of the marshy cove for the protection of the long term viability of the
rare plant area of the site.
- The floating docks shall be stored off season, upgradient of the Mean Annual High Water
Mark.
- Nursery stock receipts, pertaining to the required mitigation planting, shall be submitted to the Commission at the time of the proposed planting.
- A qualified wetland scientist shall supervise the required mitigation planting and submit yearly monitoring reports for the two growing seasons after said mitigation planting. At the end of this two year period, 75% or greater specimen survival shall be certified.
Peg called for a motion to close the hearing and to issue the Order of Conditions to the Applicant per submitted plan with the conditions as discussed by the Commission.
Elizabeth McGrath moved. Meredith deCarbonnel seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 4-0-0.
8:25 p.m., Approve Past Meeting Minutes:
Peg called for a motion to approve the February 3, 2011 Meeting Minutes as amended.
Meredith deCarbonnel moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 4-0-0.
Page 3 SCC 2/17/11 Meeting Minutes
8:35 p.m., Signatures:
The Commission signed bills. Order of Conditions under DEP File #SE-280-0522 for
Everwood Camp Partners, LLC.
8:40 p.m., Old/New Business:
Former Landfill Parcel, off Mountain Street:
The Commission reviewed a map of the former landfill parcel. The Commission agreed to release the removal of the open space and parkland restriction from the 9.9 acre portion of the former landfill property in exchange for an open space and parkland restriction on approximately 11 acres of Town owned land at 1 Hixson Farm Road.
Peg read aloud to the Commission the following form of vote:
VOTED:
That the following parcel of land is found to be no longer needed for open space purposes:
That the portion of the parcel of land known as the former landfill located off Mountain Street, more particularly described below, which is currently unused and is held under the care, control, and management of the Board of Selectmen for active and passive recreation and open space purposes, be transferred to the care, control. and management of the Board of Selectmen to use for the production of renewable energy resources and leasing in conjunction therewith, passive and active recreation, conservation and open space and any combination thereof by the Town or by a third party.
The property no longer needed is shown on a plan dated February 2011, prepared by the Sharon Engineering Department, as the pink cross-hatched area containing approximately 9.9 acres, which said pink area is a portion of the land identified as lot 14 on Assessors map 63 and known as 156 Mountain Street. A copy of this plan is attached to this vote and is on file with the Office of the Town Clerk.
In exchange for the removal of said landfill parcel from the open space and parkland restriction under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, the Board of Selectmen will grant to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or a designated state agency thereof, a replacement parkland and open space restriction on a portion of land acquired by the Town, by deed of Stephen P. Hathaway, dated May 16, 1966, and recorded in the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in Book 4351, at Page 409; said portion being shown as lot 14 on assessors map 121 and shown as 1 Hixson Farm Road on a plan of land entitled “1 Hixson Farm Road,” containing approximately 11 acres.
Peg called for a motion to move the vote as stated.
Stephen Cremer moved. Elizabeth McGrath seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 4-0-0.
8:55 p.m., Adjournment:
Peg called for a motion to adjourn.
Stephen Cremer moved. Meredith deCarbonnel seconded. Voted. Unanimous. 4-0-0.
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