2013.02.14 ConCom Agenda and Staff Report
Northampton Conservation Commission
Agenda
5:00 PM, Thursday February 14, 2013
City Hall Hearing Room 2 floor, 210 Main Street, Northampton
nd
General Public Comment
Approval of Minutes
December 13, 2012
5:00 PM Request for Determination of Applicability to determine whether arch bridge repairs and
sealing is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or Northampton Wetlands Ordinance.
Norwottuck/MassCentral Rail Trail over Beaver Brook. 0.2 miles from the end of Grove Avenue,
Leeds, Parcel 6-008.
Cutchins Center Plans for Nature Trail Improvement on Future Meadows Open Space Parcel
Request for Certificate of Compliance, Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management. 555
North King Street (State Police Barracks), Parcel ID 13-045, DEP File 246-628
Executive Session under MGL C 30A §21(6) to 'Consider the Purchase, Exchange, Lease or Value of
Real Property' for interests in conservation lands
Request for Support Letter: CT River Greenway Trail CPA Application
Mini Training: Open Meeting Law
Review of Mail
Review of Staff-Issued Permits
All other business not foreseen when agenda was published
Adjourn
To: Conservation Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
Reviewed and Approved by OPD: WF
RE: Staff Report, February 14 Commission Meeting
Date: February 11, 2013
5:00 PM Request for Determination of Applicability to determine whether arch bridge
repairs and sealing is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or Northampton Wetlands
Ordinance. Norwottuck/MassCentral Rail Trail over Beaver Brook. 0.2 miles from the
end of Grove Avenue, Leeds, Parcel 6-008.
Application Overview:
The application proposes the repair and restoration of the Norwottuck Rail Trail arch bridge over Beaver
Brook. Work is proposed to include repointing, mortar replacement, removal of all vegetation from the
bridge surface, and sealing the surface with asphalt or concrete. The bridge and surrounding area are
owned by the Conservation Commission.
Staff-assisted application, no specific recommendations.
If the Commission c0ncludes that the work will not alter a resource area, a negative determination should
be issued by checking box 2 to indicate that the work is within an area subject to protection, but will not
remove dredge, fill or alter that area. Any conditions necessary to ensure an alteration will not take place
can be added. If the Commission decides that any of the activities proposed will alter a wetlands resource
area, a positive determination should be issued by checking box 3, that the work proposed is an alteration,
and a Notice of Intent is required.
Request for Certificate of Compliance, Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset
Management. 555 North King Street (State Police Barracks), Parcel ID 13-045, DEP File
246-628
Application Overview:
The Commission issued an Order of Conditions in 2009 for installation of bollards, lighting, and conduit
within RFA and buffer zone to BVW at the State Police barracks. The project had no unique conditions,
and did not include continuing conditions.
Staff Recommendations:
The submitted as-built plan and request indicate that the project as constructed included minor changes
from the permit planset that do not have detrimental effects on resource areas. These include a reduction
in the number of bollards, and installation of a chainlink fence on lawn area. A complete certification can
be issued. Due to snow, staff was not able to verify that silt fence has been removed. If still in place, this
must be removed in the spring.
Conservation Commission Staff Report 1
February 14, 2013