2020.06.25 Staff Report
Conservation Commission Staff Report 1
June 25, 2020
To: Conservation Commission
From: Sarah LaValley
RE: Staff Report, June 25, 2020 Commission Meeting
5:30 PM – Request for Determination of Applicability to determine replacement of
an existing 32x48’ carport is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or Northampton
Wetlands Ordinance. Frank Associates, LLC. 50 Cooke Ave, Map ID 18C-034.
Application Overview:The application proposes demolition and reconstruction of a 1965 carport
structure located within the 100 foot buffer zone and within riverfront area to Pine Brook, a
perennial stream. The area was developed prior to the rivers protection act, and the footprint of the
structure is concrete and gravel. Work includes demolition, burying of 8-12 precast frost posts in the
ground and erection of the new structure on top of the posts.
Consistency with the Wetlands Protection Act and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance:
The work will occur entirely within a disturbed and impervious area. Replacement of the structure
should not create any new alterations as defined by the WPA or Northampton Wetlands Ordinance
to Pine Brook.
Staff Recommendations:
In response to a staff inquiry as to whether there was opportunity to relocate the structure farther
from the resource area and revegetate this section of the resource area, the applicant indicated that
“utilities including water, electric, security, and natural gas have been designed and installed with the
current site in mind. These utilities support the existing building ,storage units, storage area for
trees and shrubs, equipment and truck parking, repair areas, and materials recycling and storage
sites.
The work proposed should result in no alteration, and an overall improvement to jurisdictional
resource areas. Issue a negative determination by checking box 2 to indicate that the work is within
an area subject to protection, but will not remove dredge fill or alter said area. Erosion control
should not be necessary due to the nature of the site and the limited length of construction. Require
notification 48 hours prior to work being done, and again when complete each year, and require
copies of all monitoring reports.