Below is a summarized version of the Conservation Commission meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.
Contents
Opening and Roll Call
- Timestamp: (0:49 – 2:34)
- Speakers: Chuck Tirone (Conservation Administrator), Brian Bowe (Chair)
- Summary: Chuck Tirone opens the meeting, noting it is conducted in-person and remotely under COVID-19 measures extended to June 30, 2027. The meeting is recorded, and materials are available online. Brian Bowe conducts roll call:
- Walter Talbert: Present
- Tim Michel: Present
- Martha Moore: Present
- Brian Bowe: Present
- Outcome: Meeting formally begins with call to order at 7:04 PM
Eagle Scout Project
Pineridge Trail Steps (3:31 – 8:26)
- Speaker: Evan (Scout), Commission Members
- Details: Evan proposed replacing damaged steps on Pineridge Trail in the town forest with eight new steps (50 ft wide, 20 ft deep, 5 inches high), using gravel and landscape fabric. Project within 100 ft wetland buffer. Concerns raised about potential erosion due to loosened soil and biker path.
- Outcome: Motion to approve passed unanimously (Tim, Walter, Martha, Brian). Evan advised to address erosion concerns.
Birch Meadow Park & Modular Classroom
NOI Continuation – DPW (8:32 – 46:28)
- Speakers: Holly Ger (Activas), Jim Sullivan (Recreation), Steve Chryoli (Activas), Joe Pasnola (Hancock Associates), Commission Members
- Details: Project involves basketball courts, playground, handicap parking, stormwater controls, modular classroom, and ADA walkways within 100 ft buffer. Responses addressed prior comments:
- Clarified pickleball/basketball court changes.
- Revised erosion control limits and added construction entrance/stockpile areas.
- Tree removal/transplant plan: one tree removed (diseased), four native trees planted in buffer.
- Stormwater checklist provided, addressing standards for drainage.
- Lighting schedule discussion ongoing, to be finalized by Recreation Committee (May 6).
- Concerns about modular classroom drainage and neighbor runoff raised.
- Outcome: Hearing closed, Order of Conditions issued with conditions:
- Contact Conservation Administrator for tree placement.
- Restore lower area before project opening.
- Standard erosion control and compliance conditions.
119 Winthrop Ave
NOI – (46:28 – 57:34)
- Speakers: James Gallagher (Applicant), Commission Members
- Details: Proposed 22×24 ft garage addition with living space, within 100 ft buffer. Applicant worked with zoning board to minimize wetland impact. Concerns:
- Existing shed and play structure in 25 ft no-structure zone; agreed to remove play structure when children outgrow it and relocate shed if replaced.
- Potential cesspool (stone circle) safety issue; advised to consult Health Department.
- Roof runoff plan incomplete, to be submitted.
- Native plantings encouraged along fence line.
- Outcome: Hearing continued to allow submission of roof runoff plan.
288 Grove Street
NOI – (DPW Storage Container) (1:37:50 – 2:00:08)
- Speakers: Pat (Applicant Representative), Chuck Tirone, Commission Members
- Details: Proposed storage building replacement closer to wetlands, within aquifer protection district. Concerns:
- Gravel driveway risks spills (e.g., oil/gas) seeping into aquifer.
- Lack of proprietary stormwater system or liner to capture spills.
- Protocols for maintenance/storage questioned; applicant clarified no fertilizers/pesticides stored, maintenance elsewhere.
- Outcome: Hearing continued to May 14, 2025, with a second site visit scheduled to address concerns about spill prevention and surface treatment (e.g., paving or liner).
Reading Open Land Trust
Vegetated Seating Area (2:02:44 – 2:12:38)
- Speakers: Bob (Open Land Trust), Chuck Tirone, Commission Members
- Details: Proposal for a bench on a concrete slab with native plantings at Collins Ave, within 35 ft no-structure zone. Area elevated, filled years ago. Public benefit cited for variance.
- Outcome: Commission agreed to administrative action via variance request to ensure consistency. Bob to submit variance form.
15B Street
RDA – (2:12:45 – 2:20:06)
- Speakers: Derek Russo (Applicant), Commission Members
- Details: Proposed pool replacement, 30-inch retaining wall, and native plantings (inkberries, switchgrass) within 100 ft buffer. Concerns about inkberry toxicity to dogs addressed (male plants recommended). Erosion controls in place.
- Outcome: Hearing closed, negative determination of applicability issued with conditions:
- Plants must survive three years, remain native, notify if changed.
- Notify Commission before paving pool surround.
- Keep driveway/roadway clean during construction.
885 Main St & 695 Pearl St
Continued Hearings – (2:20:06 – 2:21:08)
- Speaker: Brian Bowe
- Details: Both hearings continued to May 14, 2025, at applicants’ request.
- Outcome: Motions to continue passed unanimously.
Consultant Funds
Old/New Business – Enforcement Order (2:21:23 – 2:24:23)
- Speaker: Chuck Tirone
- Details:
- Motion to release remaining consultant fees and bond for Joy Lane (formerly Howard Street, 135, 139, 149R) to Steve Knight.
- Motion to ratify updated enforcement order for 445 Pearl Street.
- Outcome: Both motions passed unanimously.
DPW Storage Container
Review (2:24:28 – 2:27:15)
- Speaker: Chuck Tirone
- Details: Water fountain gravel area fixed, gully filled, and seeded. Storage container area issues noted (open gates, misaligned container) but minor.
- Outcome: Water fountain issue closed as satisfactory; container issues to be communicated to DPW.
Administrator’s Report
(2:27:26 – 2:33:20)
- Speaker: Chuck Tirone
- Details:
- Montessori school exploring Mattera Cabin for outdoor classroom; proposal to be presented.
- Community cleanup planned for May 10, 2025, at Maillet, Sommes, & Morgan, including debris removal, stormwater cleanup, trail maintenance, and signage.
- Outcome: Information noted, cleanup details to be publicized.
Public Comment
692 Pearl Street Trees (2:33:46 – 2:40:09)
- Speaker: Richard Kio (Resident)
- Details: Requested removal of 21 pine trees, most outside 100 ft buffer, citing safety concerns (arborist reports). Proposed native tree planting and $500 donation. One oak tree near ditch noted as potentially dead.
- Outcome: Application to be reviewed at May 14, 2025, meeting; site visit to be scheduled via email.
Key Outcomes
- Community engagement emphasized through cleanup event and public benefit projects.
- Multiple projects involved work within wetland buffer zones, with emphasis on erosion control, native plantings, and stormwater management.
- Concerns about aquifer protection and spill prevention were significant for the DPW storage project.
- Site visits and continuations scheduled to address unresolved issues.
