Rochester’s Conservation Commission Tuesday approved a new neighbor for Lloyd’s Market, with a plan to build a shed and remove a tree at 10 Hartley Road next to the store.
The commission rendered a Negative Determination of Applicability to wetlands protection bylaws for applicant Daniel Sullivan’s proposal to clear approximately 400 square feet of briers and brush at the address and place a small shed there. Conservation Agent Merillee Kelly started the conversation by noting the site 25-30 feet from wetlands. When Sullivan asked if he could also remove a green elm that is close to the road, commission member Michael Gifford explained the more important issue with a tree removal is with what equipment is used near the wetlands. The machinery should not contain fuels that would contaminate the soil. Sullivan agreed to follow this condition.
The commission also approved the first draft of a handout that future permit applicants and abutters will receive, detailing what the Conservation Commission does and does not have jurisdiction over. Commission Member Ben Bailey said the board has wasted its meeting time in the past when residents bring up project issues and concerns that the board has no control over. A one-piece document detailing the board’s key duties will help solve this problem. “You don’t talk about perc tests or septic systems,” he said. “That’s not jurisdiction.”
Commission Chair Christopher Gerrior added that the handout, which is being drafted by Kelly, should detail the ‘performance standards’ an applicant must follow to work within a wetlands zone. “I always try to help people understand how things work in this town,” he said.
Bailey added that this list will offer those details. “In black and white,” he said. “And it will be a living document that can be changed.”
In other action, the board continued until its next meeting a Notice of Intent hearing for a plan to install a new private well, construct a rear deck and clear brush and deadwood within a wetlands buffer zone at 57 Gifford Lane.
The board voted to not pursue an offer to buy 0 Walnut Plain Road, which is being converted from Chapter 61B forest and horticultural land protection for residential use.
The board approved a cost of $65 for Kelly to attend a MACC Fundamental Unit 22 workshop.
The next Conservation Commission meeting will be on April 15 at 7:00 pm, at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.
Rochester Conservation Commission
By Michael J. DeCicco