2020.03.12 Staff Report.pdf
Conservation Commission Staff Report 1 March 12, 2020
To: Conservation Commission From: Sarah LaValley
RE: Staff Report, March 12, 2020 Commission Meeting
5:30 PM – Notice of Intent for construction of a dock and wooden staircase. Work
proposed within riverfront area, bank, and land subject to flooding (CT River). Tyson
Holub & Alexis Neubert. 142 Riverbank Rd, Map ID 25-007.
Application Overview:
Work proposed is construction of a 12’x12’ seasonal floating anchored dock and stairs on bank to the
Connecticut River.
The Commission has previously reviewed a septic reconstruction and construction of an 8’ x 12’ deck
on the rear of the property that had already been constructed, in absence of building permits. A
negative determination was issued since the deck sits on six concrete posts, approximately 2’ above
ground level. Demolition of a dilapidated garage was also permitted. DEP Comments:
[1] The commission needs to wait to close the public hearing until NHESP issues its decision. NHESP has issued a ‘no-take’ determination, with no additional comment.
[2] For the work in the riverfront, the commission can require an improvement over existing
conditions. Acceptable improvements include, but are not limited to: 1) Significant net reduction of impervious surfaces;
2) Planting of indigenous plant species;
3) Removal and proper disposal of noxious but otherwise legally located materials.
Staff agrees, an improvement should be required. Discuss possibilities for planting and invasive
species removal along the bank, or revegetation of understory in the lawn area, which currently
extends to the top of bank (see photos), with the applicant. Consistency with the WPA and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance:
Please see above, an improvement should be required. Staff Recommendations:
The bank is extremely steep, as shown in photos, and the Commission should discuss detailed
construction plans with the applicant. An overall improvement will also need to be demonstrated.
At a site visit, staff observed a new deck that had been constructed (see attachment for before and
after photos) that was installed without review for riverfront or floodplain performance standards. It
is closer than 50 feet to bank, and does not qualify for any 310CMR exemptions. If the applicant
proposes to retain this structure, it will need to be incorporated into the Notice of Intent. An Order
of Conditions can’t be issued for the dock until this is addressed.
Conservation Commission Staff Report 2
March 12, 2020