Conservation Commission

The Commission reviewed several active permit matters and administrative items. Continued hearings included NOI ACC-25-1 (61 Lake Attitash Way) and ANRAD 002-1350 (131 Haverhill Road) pending additional information, peer review and site visits; RDA for 8 Noel Street was continued to allow a site visit related to a man-made stormwater detention basin and its status under the WPA. The Commission approved an Order of Conditions for NOI 002-1352 (121 Whitehall Road) for a T-shaped dock after confirming DEP/NHESP determinations, and approved a modification request (002-1349) to relocate a plunge pool at 471 Main Street because of existing sewer lines, noting the new location maintains the same river setback and construction methods.

Other actions included acknowledging and approving an Emergency Certification for removal of two dead Ash trees at 6 Dennett Street based on an arborist report, and a unanimous vote to release bonds for projects that have been completed and received Certificates of Compliance. Discussion items of note: the 61 Lake Attitash Way revised plan moved the house outside the 25' No Disturb Zone but within the 50' setback, prompting requests for an updated waiver, removal of a proposed carport, installation of no-cut/no-disturb plaques on the split-rail fence, and consideration of a conservation restriction on the rear of the property; the ANRAD at 131 Haverhill Road remains under peer review with DEP comments to be addressed; the proposed mitigation for tree removal at Merrimac Street (replanting and shrubs) was continued pending a response from Natural Heritage. Public and applicant presentations included discussions of stormwater controls, remediation impacts related to a Boston Gas project, invasive species and vernal-pool flagging, and requests for ZBA relief for front setbacks where applicable.