Wetlands, Stormwater Issues Affect Elm Street, Chipotle Proposals

Medfield MA

01 June, 2022

10:25 PM

Description

As is usually the case with a strong real estate market, developers seek out any available land to build homes or tap into other types of consumer demand. One case in point is the proposed construction of a single-family home on nearly an acre of wooded Elm Street land that includes sensitive wetlands. The location is directly across from the most easterly Wheelock School/soccer field driveway (officially noted as "Parcel 33-087 - between No. 40 and 46") on the newly established Scenic Road within the Neponset River Watershed area. Because the Elm Street property is within the 100-foot wetland buffer zone it requires Medfield Conservation Commission review and approval under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and Medfield Wetlands Bylaw. The parcel is also within an Aquifer Protection District. A recent peer-review environmental study requested by the Commission indicates that the property includes a "Critical Area" due to a vernal pool where wood frog and spotted salamander egg masses (listed as "threatened" under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act) were discovered. This finding requires that stormwater management meet "Maximum Extent Practicable Standards." Beyond wildlife at risk, mature trees as Red Maple, White Pine, Bass Wood and Alder will likely require clearing. High Bush Blueberry bushes and Mayflower groundcover are also among the vegetation that could be lost. It is expected that the environmental findings and overall Notice of Intent for the project will be discussed at length at the June 2 Conservation Commission meeting. The proposed Elm Street property developer is Medfield resident Scott Colwell who filed the Notice of Intent a year ago. The property, which is just under an acre in size, was initially purchased by Calvin and Scott Colwell in 1985. Abutters have expressed concerns about the project, including a possible inaccurate wetlands delineation, potential harm to wetlands and vernal pool, loss of mature trees, soil stability and slope issues, and adherence to Residential Estate zoning regulations. While the development company had anticipated a sewer line extension with the proposed project, Department of Public Works has allegedly stated just recently it will not approve it. It is expected that at a later date Medfield Board of Health will also be reviewing and casting Elm Street project votes related to stormwater management and water quality impacts. Stormwater Management Also a Priority for Chipotle Proposal The Chipotle restaurant proposed by RK Development for Shaw's Plaza, and the use of the current grassy berm between the plaza and adjacent retail strip (where Italian Groceria and other stores are located), has been winding its way through review by various town boards. The Chipotle project is also slated for Conservation Commission discussion on June 2. It will be reviewed for stormwater management, proposed construction, dumpster location and landscaping. This review is also required under state and local wetlands laws. Board of Health discussed the project proposal on May 31 for adherence to stormwater management regulations. After strained deliberations due to missing members (including one with stormwater expertise) but bolstered by a positive peer review by TetraTech, Board of Health granted conditional approval for the project. (The Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals will continue to hold public hearings on the Chipotle project.) Whether the Elm Street or Chipotle project or any others that come before Conservation Commission in the near future, the Commission will be challenged by lack of a Conservation Agent. The last agent recently resigned. The agenda and Zoom log-in information for the June 2 Conservation Commission meeting can be found here. Public comments about either project should be sent to Town Planner Sarah Raposa ([email protected]).