2022.05.12 Staff Report.pdfTo: Conservation Commission From: Sarah LaValley RE: Staff Report, May 12 2022 Commission Meeting
5:30 PM Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if demolition and removal of an existing structure within buffer zone will alter resource areas. Northampton Office of Planning & Sustainability. 196 Cooke Ave, Parcel 18-022.
Application Overview: The application proposes demolition of an existing dilapidated structure partially within buffer zone
to a bordering vegetated wetland and intermittent stream, >50 feet from resource areas at the closest
point. No vegetation removal is proposed. Erosion control is proposed to be installed downgradient
of the building and will serve as the limit of work.
Staff Recommendations:
Removal of the existing structure will result in no change in impervious area, and should result in no
alteration to the resource area. The stream on the property is shown as intermittent on USGS maps.
With a watershed size of 22 acres, is well short of the .5 square mile necessary to be considered
perennial. The site includes compacted vehicle access and parking areas located closer to resource
areas than the building to be demolished. Staff recommends issuing a negative determination by
checking box 3, with standard conditions. Note that wetland boundaries are not confirmed by the Determination. Require that the dumpster be located on the existing disturbed area. The
Commission should discuss plans for filling and seeding. Staked coir log rather than dug silt fence be
used due to existing site conditions.
5:45 PM Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if sewer upgrade
work within buffer zone to wetlands will alter resource areas. Veterans Affairs Medical
Center, 421 N Main St, Leeds Parcel 11-001.
Application Overview:
The application proposes installation of underground sewer systems. Most work is outside buffer
zone.
Staff Recommendations:
Only a small portion of the work is within buffer zone, and above-ground impacts will be temporary.
Issue a negative determination by checking box 3.Note that boundaries are not confirmed. These
were previously confirmed via a Notice of Intent but should not be extended. Note that as a federal
agency, the VAMC is not subject to the Wetlands Ordinance. The applicant should be reminded that
a certificate of compliance for all open orders should be requested.
6:00 PM Notice of Intent for drainage improvements; disconnecting storm drains from the sewer system and installation of a gravel stormwater spreader. Northampton DPW, Winter St right-of-way. The applicant has requested a continuation until May 26.
May 12 Staff Report
May 12 Staff Report 2
Other Items:
Review and Approve Administrate Rules of Procedure
These will apply to several permit-granting land use boards. The Commission approved these
several years ago, staff recommend approving the updated document. Review and Approve Proposed Open Space Acquisitions
Dorcal/Andros, Broad Brook Greenway. $50,000, 25 acres
May 12 Staff Report 3
Pomeroy, Saw Mill Hills. $690,000,
229 acres
Correspondence – Third Party Review Proposal
Staff received a proposal for third party review (attached) of the remediation NOI scope submitted
for the Riverside Drive Cutlery site. applicant has accepted the cost, and staff recommends the
Commission approve the scope of the review. This will not bind the commission to any conditions or
actions other than agreeing that this is sufficient for third party review.