Hingham Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
Conservation Minutes – January 11, 2010
Present: Eugene Babin-Chair, Carolyn Nielsen-Vice-Chair, Charles Berry, Daniel Coughlin, Robert Perry
Nina Villanova, Cliff Prentiss-Conservation Officer
Absent: Scott McIsaac
CONSERVATION AGENDA
January 11, 2010
7:00 PM Old/New Business
Approve Draft Minutes - 12/28/09
Reorganization of Conservation Commission
Discussion:
Michael Borgen v. Town of Hingham Conservation Commission, et al. – Plymouth Superior Court
Reminder: MACC Annual Environmental Conference – February 27, 2010
Reminder: Town Meeting Articles due in by January 20, 2010
7:15 PM Requests for Determination of Applicability
5 Weir River Lane - Continuance
Applicants – Danielle and Eugene Buczynski
Extension Request for Determination of Applicability
Main Street – Route 228
Applicant: Randy Sylvester – Public Works
7:30 PM Notices of Intent
2 Pond Park Road – No DEP number or comments as of 1/7/10
Applicant: Steve Leggett – A.W. Perry, Inc. / Representative: Jeffrey Malloy – BSC Group, Inc.
20 Derby Street – No DEP number or comments as of 1/7/10
Applicant: Carlos Perez – Old Colony Montessori School, Inc. / Representative: Kelly Killeen – Coler & Colantonio, Inc.
Certificates of Compliance
4 Blackhorse Lane – DEP SE 34 0931 - Applicants – Michael and Lisa Letorney
Old/New Business – Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. Approve 12 28 09 draft minutes
Discussion: Accept minutes as written.
Motion: Commissioner Berry motioned to approve the 12/28/09 draft minutes as written.
Second: Commissioner Nielsen In Favor: All Opposed: None
2. Reorganization of Conservation Commission
Commissioner Babin noted that January 25, 2010 would be his last Conservation Commission meeting and he would like to open up the floor for a nomination of a new Conservation Chair.
Commissioner Berry nominated Commissioner Nielsen for Conservation Chair person.
Commissioner Nielsen is willing to accept the nomination.
Commissioner Babin asked if there are any other nominations. None
Commissioner Babin asked for a vote to appoint Commissioner Nielsen as Chair of the Conservation Commission.
In Favor: All Opposed: None
Commission Babin opened up the floor for a nomination of a new Vice Chair.
Commissioner Nielsen nominated Commissioner Berry for Conservation Vice Chair person.
Commissioner Berry is willing to accept the nomination.
Commissioner Babin asked if there are any other nominations. None
Commissioner Babin asked for a vote to appoint Commissioner Berry as Vice Chair of the Conservation Commission.
In Favor: All Opposed: None
Commissioner Babin turned over the meeting to Commissioner Nielsen, the new Chair.
3. Discussion:
Michael Borgen v. Town of Hingham Conservation Commission, et al. – Plymouth Superior Court
The Conservation Officer gave a review of the filing under the Bylaw for 280 North Street.
Reminder: MACC Annual Environmental Conference – February 27, 2010
Commissioner Nielsen noted that the MACC courses are excellent and urged other Commission members to attend. Monies are available in the budget for reimbursement of the registration fees.
Reminder: Town Meeting Articles due in by January 20, 2010
7:15 PM Requests for Determination of Applicability
5 Weir River Lane - Continuance
Applicants – Danielle and Eugene Buczynski
Presentation:
• Applicants wish to turn one car garage into a family room
• Will require replacing foundation with a crawl space, staying within the same footprint
• Conservation meeting of 12 28 09 asked applicants to provide additional information
• Distances are now indicated on the Assessors map and photos of the area were provided
• Assistant Conservation Officer went out and measured distances
• There is also a natural berm existing on the lot.
Conservation Officer:
Recommends that the Commission issue a Negative Determination with erosion controls that shall be installed around any spoils piles and the Conservation staff would approve the work area.
Motion: Commissioner Babin motioned to issue a Negative Determination with conditions for 5 Weir River Lane.
Second: Commissioner Coughlin In Favor: All Opposed: None
Extension Request for Determination of Applicability
Main Street – Route 228 - Applicant: Randy Sylvester – Public Works
Presentation - Conservation Officer noted that this is the work being done for Phase II dealing with the planing and resurfacing of approximately 3.5 miles of Main St. (Rt. 228) from Merrymount Rd. to Queen Anne’s Corner. Extension request is appropriate to allow them to finish up the work.
Motion: Commissioner Villanova motioned to issue a one-year extension to the Phase II work under the Determination of Applicability for Main Street – Route 228. Second: Commissioner Babin In Favor: All Opposed: None
Certificates of Compliance
4 Blackhorse Lane – DEP SE 34 0931 - Applicants – Michael and Lisa Letorney
Presentation: - The Conservation Officer noted that the project has been completed according to the Orders issued.
Motion: Commissioner Berry motioned to issue a Certificate of Compliance for 4 Blackhorse Lane.
Second: Commissioner Perry In Favor: All Opposed: None
TOH Wetlands Regulations Draft update
• Commissioner Nielsen and Commission Berry have been working on a revised copy of the Regulations
• Have been working with Planning and the Harbormaster
• Will be meeting with Harbor Development and the BOH
• Conservation Commissioner will receive a draft copy of the Regulations at the next meeting to review.
Commissioner Nielsen read the usual information dealing with filings.
Notices of Intent
2 Pond Park Road – DEP SE 34 1022 - Applicant: Steve Leggett – A.W. Perry, Inc. / Rep. J.Malloy – BSC Group, Inc.
Presentation done by Scott Turner, BSC Group, Buzz Constable and Jeff Malloy
• Development of 74,000 sq. foot medical office building (Bone and Muscle Center-S.S. Hospital)
• Proposed project will be a LEED equivalent building which will be 3 stories, 422 parking spaces and onsite Title V wastewater treatment facility, underground utilities and existing stormwater drainage will be replaced with a new system in accordance with MA Stormwater regulations, 3 entrances to the site
• Site has been unoccupied for 10 years following the demolition of 3 industrial office buildings
• Sidewalks, parking and utilities associated with the previous buildings remain
• Project is considered a brownfield redevelopment site
• Wetlands flagged in the fall
• Site contains isolated wetlands, ledge outcroppings, soil test pits show shallow depth to bedrock
• Some work is proposed in the buffer (parking spaces)
• Will be meeting with Zoning/Planning and BOH
Paul Brogna- Seacoast Engineering who did a review for the Commission responded from his letter of 1/10/10
• Proposed project should be considered new development vs. redevelopment
• Project should comply with all new construction requirements of the MA Stormwater regulations
• Areas proposed for stormwater infiltration should be field tested to ensure compliance with necessary stormwater regs.
• Floor drains and respective outfall areas should be shown on the plans with treatment procedures
• How treat and dispose of all medical waste according to stormwater regulations
• Proposed work is in the 50 foot buffer
• How will stormwater impact Abington Street as questioned in letter from Roger Fernandes–Project Engineer for the TOH
• Snow storage not discussed
• Stormwater structures need to include water quality inlet structures and drain man holes to ensure ease of inspection and cleaning
Discussion amongst Commissioners dealing with
• Working in the no touch zone – 50 foot buffer
• Sub watersheds
• Redevelopment vs. new development – Commission determined it to be new development discussion – no vote
• Soils are problematic, need to protect wetlands
• New stormwater regulations need to be addressed as project is new development
• Commission is leaning towards new development
Commissioner Nielsen opened the hearing to the public.
Alan McDonald – resident of Hingham and works for South Shore Hospital as a paid lobbyist stated that the Project would be considered a positive asset for the TOH.
Applicant and representatives are in agreement to meet tomorrow – 1/12/10 at 1:00 p.m. with Paul Brogna and Cliff Prentiss to discuss potential revisions based upon suggestions presented tonight.
Commissioner Babin motioned to grant a continuance for 2 Pond Park Way until the next Conservation meeting being held on 1/25/10 with the applicants consent. Second: Commissioner Villanova In Favor: All Opposed: None
20 Derby Street – No DEP number or comments as of 1/7/10
Applicant: Carlos Perez – Old Colony Montessori School, Inc. / Representative: Kelly Killeen – Coler & Colantonio, Inc
Presentation by Kelly Killeen
Applicant wishes to open and then continue hearing till next Conservation meeting of 1/25/10 as there was a problem with the abutter notifications not being sent out on time. Peer review fees by John Chessia also discussed. Applicant (Soosen Tribuna – Board Member) is in agreement with fees if no escrow needs to be submitted and Applicant can pay Mr. Chessia directly for his comments for the Commission.
Commissioner Babin motioned to grant a continuance for 20 Derby Street until the next Conservation meeting on 1/251/0 with the applicants consent. Second: Commissioner Perry In Favor: All Opposed: None
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Cliff Prentiss Approved as amended on 01/25/10.