Georgetown

Georgetown Conservation Commission

Thursday March 21, 2024

Clickable Transcript Printable Transcript

The order of items in transcripts is the chronological order in which they were taken up. Some Agenda items may have been skipped.

Section 1

The Conservation Commission meeting on March 24th, 2024 was called to order by Rebecca Chane at 7pm. Roll call was taken and four out of six members were present. The first item on the agenda was the approval of minutes from previous meetings, which were unanimously approved. The next item on the agenda was a certificate of compliance for a property at 3 Meadowbrook Lane. The agent recommended approving the certificate and it was unanimously approved by the commission. The next item was a request for determination at 23 Charles Street. The applicant, Alek Chongris, presented the project which involved replacing a failed septic system with a Title 5 compliant system. However, the property was in a floodplain and there was not enough space to provide compensatory storage as required by the DEP. The agent recommended adding roof drains to the house to address the issue of compensatory storage. There was some confusion about whether this issue was related to collecting runoff or providing flood storage. The applicant requested relief from providing compensatory storage and the commission agreed to continue the discussion at the next meeting.

Section 2

The content is discussing a project to create a new rail trail in Georgetown, MA. The project extends from the town line with Oxford to Andover Street and involves minimal wetland impacts. The project has received approval from natural heritage and is seeking approval from the board. The plan set for the project is color-coded and includes information on wetland impacts and buffer zone impacts.

Section 3

The town of Georgetown is proposing to alter the riverfront area to construct a 10 foot wide paved multi-use trail, with National Grid's right-of-way and existing disturbed roadway. The project will result in the removal of some retaining walls and will require the replication of an isolated vegetated wetland at a 2:1 ratio. The town is also proposing to enhance habitat along the project area. Additionally, a small section of retaining wall will be removed and replaced with a slope, and the area will be replanted with native grasses and vegetation.

Section 4

The discussion centered around three main topics: the plans for a project in Bancroft, the use of asphalt for a walkway near a sensitive area, and the role of the chair in meetings. The Bancroft project was described as a short land area with a mix of native species, but no specific shrubs. The group also discussed the removal of invasive species along the trail, and the maintenance costs associated with permeable paving materials. One member questioned the use of asphalt in the wetland area, but the engineer assured them that precautions would be taken to avoid extensive settlement. The group then moved on to discuss the role of the chair in meetings. A document was shared outlining the responsibilities of the chair, such as not making motions and knowing when to end the meeting. The chair is also responsible for closing the meeting before taking a vote. This document was given to all members for reference in case the chair is unable to attend a meeting.

Section 5

The speakers are concluding a meeting and setting a date for the next one. They thank each other and say goodnight.