2021.07.29 Staff Report.pdf
Conservation Commission Staff Report 1 July 29, 2021
To: Conservation Commission From: Sarah LaValley RE: Staff Report, July 29, 2021 Commission Meeting
5:30 PM Request for Determination of Applicability to determine if patio creation,
funding, and plantings within buffer zone are subject to the Wetlands Protection Act
or Northampton Wetlands Ordinance. Chartpak Inc, 120 River Rd Leeds, Parcel 05-
28.
Application Overview: The application proposes invasive plant removal and planting of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous
perennials within buffer zone to BVW. Tree plantings and a split rail fence are also proposed within
riverfront area (Mill River). The 6,400 sq ft planting area is proposed within 5 feet of the resource
area, this is proposed to have all invasive species removed Additional work outside resource areas
includes visitor entrance upgrades, patio and pergola installation.
Consistency with the Wetlands Protection Act and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance, Staff Recommendation:
The Commission should discuss details of the invasives removal methodology with the applicant, as
well as plans for the surface of the planting area. If it is proposed to be mown or actively utilized,
and is currently in a natural state, this could be considered a new alteration.
The invasive removal and planting is proposed within the Protected Zone, but is proposed as an improvement. Both the split rail fencing and tree planting within riverfront are considered Minor
Activities as noted in the application, and are not subject to WPA standards. These exemptions do
not apply in the Ordinance, but the fencing will be located within a mown lawn adjacent to the
roadway across River Road from the Mill River, and should not have a negative impact.
Work is proposed within the 100 year floodplain. If the volume of new material within the floodplain
exceeds 1 cubic yard, an NOI filing will be required and compensatory storage will be required.
If the above concerns are addressed and the Commission finds that the work will not alter 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. Also check box 2b to indicate that
resource area boundaries are not confirmed. 5:45 PM Notice of Intent for gravel walking path within riverfront and land subject to flooding (Mill River). Office of Planning & Sustainability, Mill River Greenway, Main St, Leeds, Parcel 10D-048. The applicant has requested a continuation until August 12 at 5:30 PM
Approve release of stranded conservation easement, acquisition of connected
conservation easement, Reservoir Road
In 2017, the Conservation Commission acquired 20.6 acres in the Saw Mill Hills, and Carla and Nick
Zayac purchased six acres north of the conservation property. The purchases combined stranded a
City-owned walking trail easement. Conservation Commission approval is sought to sell the
stranded easement to the abutting owners and acquire a new easement that provides better access –
please see attached plan for details. The swap has been approved by City Council and the General
Court.