The Marion Conservation Commission on May 25 voted to issue a Negative determination on a plan to build a standard, four-wall shed at 27 Fieldstone Lane but with a difference versus others like it.
Commission Chairman Shaun Walsh motioned to issue the Negative determination that the construction of the 10×16-foot shed will not affect wetlands on the decision form’s Box No. 3, meaning the project will be within a wetland buffer zone but its construction will not disturb that wetland.
Walsh informed the commission that he conducted an inspection of the Fieldstone Lane site and spoke to the homeowner, Benjamin Fiske, who was not sure where the shed ultimately would be placed. Walsh said Fisk stated he would either locate the shed next to his house, which is farther up than on the plan drawings, or farther to the rear of his back yard closer to his lot lines.
“And it sounded to me like it is more likely the latter than the former,” Walsh said.
Walsh noted, however, that Fiske described in his Request for Determination that he would tie the shed’s gutters into existing drywall, an added protection from wetlands impact. And it would be built on cinder blocks so there would be no excavation.
The commission unanimously approved Walsh’s ultimate motion to issue the determination.
Conservation Agent Doug Guey-Lee clarified in a later email that a “Negative 3” determination means the commission determined that the work described in the request is within the buffer zone, as defined in the regulations, but will not alter an area subject to protection under the Wetlands Act. “Therefore, said work does not require the filing of a Notice of Intent. I think of a negative determination like a negative result from the doctor; it’s probably good news (for the applicant,)” Guey-Lee said.
In other action, the commission continued until June 22 its public hearing into a project proposed by John and Pamela Lee to reconstruct a single-family dwelling at 49 Water Street by adding an in-ground swimming pool and repairing a seawall.
Also, the commission delayed action on a request from the Sippican Lands Trust to extend the permit for work on an elevated boardwalk at Osprey Marsh off Point Road. Board members noted the current permit will not expire until November. The commission decided to speak first with the SLT to learn exactly why the extension is needed. The chance to do so will come when the SLT appears at the commission’s next meeting regarding its petition on another proposal to repair a bog bridge on other SLT land.
The Marion Conservation Commission was next scheduled to meet on Wednesday, June 8.
Marion Conservation Commission
By Michael J. DeCicco