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
ποΈ Conservation Commission Meeting SummaryπΉ Eagle Scout Project β Higgins Conservation LandπΉ Continued Hearings β Continued to June 25πΉ 101 Willow Street β Austin Prep SchoolπΉ 269 Main Street β Dumpster RelocationπΉ 57 Longwood RoadπΉ 17 Melendy DriveπΉ Montessori Forest School Proposal β Mattera CabinπΉ 50 Johanna Drive β Tree Cutting ViolationπΉ Trails Committee β Pinevale Trail ProposalπΉ Administrative Updatesπ Key Outcomes
ποΈ Conservation Commission Meeting Summary
Date: June 11, 2025
Location: Select Board meeting room & Zoom Hybrid
Start Time: 7:00 PM
End Time: 9:32 PM
Key Attendees: Brian Bowe (Chair) Commission members (Tony Rodolakis, Tim Michel, Martha Moore, Chirag Sthalekar, Carl Saccone), Chuck Tirone (Conservation Administrator)
πΉ Eagle Scout Project β Higgins Conservation Land
π 10:14β19:04
- Applicant: Alex Perfwood
- Proposal: Construction of a boardwalk in Higgins Conservation Land
- Discussion Highlights:
- Crew size will be limited to 10 people.
- Emphasis on protecting existing vegetation and ensuring no construction debris is left behind.
- Stream in the area is seasonally dry; project planned for early fall when water is unlikely.
- Boardwalk will serve as a connector to Birch Meadow and will be flush with the ground for accessibility.
- Action:
- Unanimous approval of the Eagle Scout project.
πΉ Continued Hearings β Continued to June 25
π 19:27β21:04
- Projects Continued:
- 288 Grove Street (Notice of Intent)
- 885 Main Street (Notice of Intent)
- 695 Pearl Street (Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation)
- Action:
- All hearings continued at the applicantsβ request.
πΉ 101 Willow Street β Austin Prep School
π 21:14β26:42
- Proposal: Grading and drainage improvements for a softball field within 100 ft of an isolated vegetated wetland.
- Discussion Highlights:
- Updated site prep plans submitted, including notes on stockpiling, parking, and refueling outside buffer zones.
- Lighting is dark sky compliant; certification to be provided as a condition.
- Conditions include removal of an old silt fence and two areas of yard waste.
- Action:
- Order of Conditions issued with the above conditions.
πΉ 269 Main Street β Dumpster Relocation
π 27:00β1:04:55
- Proposal: Placement of two 2-yard dumpsters and an 8Γ16 ft fence within 100-ft buffer zone.
- Discussion Highlights:
- Operations and maintenance plan reviewed; includes regular inspections and pest control.
- Public comment raised concerns about rodent attraction, trash overflow, and lack of transparency.
- Commission clarified its jurisdiction is limited to wetland impact, not condo governance or internal decisions.
- Health Department and Planning Board will also review the project.
- Conditions added:
- No rodenticides allowed (to protect wildlife and prevent secondary poisoning).
- Landscaping crew must pick up and bag litter (not blow it into wetlands).
- Clarification of long-term responsibility for dumpster maintenance.
- Action:
- Negative Determination of Applicability issued (4 in favor, 1 opposed, 1 abstention).
πΉ 57 Longwood Road
π 1:05:03β1:08:37
- Proposal: Garage addition within 200-ft riverfront area.
- Status: Continued to June 25.
- Reason: Awaiting a complete mitigation plan. Applicant offered to purchase bat boxes but not install them, which was deemed insufficient.
πΉ 17 Melendy Drive
π 1:08:44β1:24:32
- Proposal: Two-car garage and home addition within 100-ft buffer zone.
- Discussion Highlights:
- Addition will be built on existing driveway; some impervious surface will be converted to lawn.
- Downspouts to be piped underground to a stormwater retention pond.
- Erosion control (12-inch mulch sock) required during construction.
- Invasive bittersweet removal encouraged (not required).
- Action:
- Order of Conditions issued with the following conditions:
- Erosion control placement to be approved by staff.
- Downspouts must be piped underground to the retention pond.
- No yard waste to be placed beyond the fence.
πΉ Montessori Forest School Proposal β Mattera Cabin
π 1:24:45β1:52:34
- Proposal: Use of Mattera Cabin and Bare Meadow for an outdoor Montessori-style school.
- Discussion Highlights:
- Concerns raised about liability, accreditation, wear and tear, and fair rental fees.
- Town Counselβs opinion suggests no additional liability and supports a licensing agreement.
- Supporters emphasized educational and conservation benefits, including student involvement in stewardship.
- Opponents questioned the educational rigor and fairness of using public land for a private school.
- Action:
- Vote: 3 in favor, 1 opposed, 1 abstention
- Outcome: Commission supports continued exploration of the proposal.
πΉ 50 Johanna Drive β Tree Cutting Violation
π 1:54:01β2:03:29
- Issue: Unauthorized tree removal within jurisdictional wetland buffer.
- Discussion Highlights:
- Contractor admitted to not verifying permit status and was educated on using the townβs GIS system.
- Commission emphasized dual responsibility of contractors and homeowners.
- Action:
- No further work allowed until a planting plan is submitted and approved.
πΉ Trails Committee β Pinevale Trail Proposal
π 2:19:04β2:36:44
- Proposal: New trail with boardwalks and culverts to improve access and connectivity.
- Discussion Highlights:
- Trail will connect Warren Street to existing paths and include crossings over seasonal wetlands.
- After-the-fact permit requested due to timing constraints.
- Concerns raised about proximity to wetlands and lack of abutter notification.
- Action:
- Permit to be reviewed at next meeting. Work may proceed cautiously in the meantime.
πΉ Administrative Updates
π 2:10:24β2:16:11
- Volunteer Projects:
- Bare Meadow planting
- Pollinator garden weeding
- Deck maintenance
- Upcoming Events:
- Conservation-DPW meeting tentatively scheduled for July 8
- Minutes:
- Approval deferred; Emily to send minutes directly to members with BCC
π Key Outcomes
- β Eagle Scout boardwalk project approved
- β Austin Prep project approved with conditions
- β 269 Main Street dumpster relocation approved with conditions
- β 17 Melendy Drive addition approved with conditions
- π Montessori Forest School proposal to be explored further
- βΈοΈ Several hearings continued to June 25
- β οΈ Tree cutting violation at 50 Johanna addressed; awaiting resolution
- π€οΈ Pinevale trail project pending formal approval
