2013.04.11 ConCom Agenda and Staff Report
Northampton Conservation Commission
Agenda
5:00 PM, Thursday April 11, 2013
City Hall Hearing Room 2 floor, 210 Main Street, Northampton
nd
General Public Comment
Approval of Minutes
March 28, 2013
5:00 PM Amended Notice of Intent for removal of asphalt plant and associated equipment and
materials, and construction of new commercial buildings, boathouse, boat ramp, dock, and
associated utilities and improvements for Lane Riverfront Park/CT River Greenway. City of
Northampton. Damon Road, Parcels 18-009, 010, and 012.
5:15 PM Request for Determination to determine whether installation of new gravel in parking area
is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or Northampton Wetlands Ordinance. City of
Northampton. Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, North Farms Road, Parcel 07-035.
Mineral Hills Conservation Area, Continued discussion - proposed temporary access and landing use
license – WD Cowls
Request for Letter of Support – Leeds Trail Extension Grant Application
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, April 11 Commission Meeting
Date: April 5, 2013
5:00 PM Amended Notice of Intent for removal of asphalt plant and associated equipment
and materials, and construction of new commercial buildings, boathouse, boat ramp, dock,
and associated utilities and improvements for Lane Riverfront Park/CT River Greenway.
City of Northampton. Damon Road, Parcels 18-009, 010, and 012.
Application Overview:
The Conservation Commission issued an Order of Conditions on November 9, 2012, for the project. The
applicant proposes changes to reduce impacts to BVW and IVW by installation of liners to prevent
potential dewatering. Riverfront area impacts have increased due to reconfiguration of the walkway to
meet accessibility standards.
Consistency with the WPA and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance:
In accordance with DEP’s policy, the Commission has already reviewed the changes and determined that
they do not require the filing of a new NOI. The changes are limited to a decrease in wetlands
disturbance, and an increase in riverfront area disturbance. This work still meets the standards for work
in previously developed riverfront area at 310 CMR 10.58 (5). The restoration plan is not proposed to be
changed, but the existing plan exceeds the 1:1 disturbance to restoration ratio for work that does not meet
other RFA standards.
Staff Recommendations:
Issue an amended order of conditions that references the new plansheets and alterations calculations,
adding a condition to require submission of a construction detail for the impervious liner prior to
construction.
5:15 PM Request for Determination to determine whether installation of new gravel in
parking area is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or Northampton Wetlands
Ordinance. City of Northampton. Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, North Farms Road,
Parcel 07-035.
Application Overview:
The application proposes the reconstruction of the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area parking lot on
North Farms Road. Addition of new gravel will occur within riverfront area to Broad Brook, as well as
buffer zone to bank and BVW. The parking lot is 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.
Conservation Commission Staff Report 1
April 11, 2013