[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6218852,"mediaKeyId","3624154-3732c00aad1149ef7dca20ec008c497a","parentId",3624154,"title","Needham outlines two Alderbrook-area climate resilience projects: parking lot bioretention and stream daylighting","audioSeconds",1615,"startMs",2874000,"endMs",4489000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3624154-3732c00aad1149ef7dca20ec008c497a&start=2874&end=4489","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3624154-3732c00aad1149ef7dca20ec008c497a/thumbnail_2874000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6218852/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-outlines-two-Alderbrook-area-climate-resilience-projects-parking-lot-bioretention-and-stream-daylighting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218852-11885b220d64d04f77d1a185d5f51f5d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193010&Signature=NmnOXBdcr9X-ReHOUCq4cM6HMtRfpYY8vjKNHDV9Uwfb07kmzr8uYxj2lB7RwjqOmMDPb7yi6zyKGxO7-S6UYdDronjQIb7klmHDFLCbW8YHeibFRKTOa3ZOOwMjig3IbTSWKmQwIJ5rodmcPjky56-tOA2drHcgad-r-4lI55jbbTbx1KuYa-nV8J6rf7RoWWHE27sna5otqD59jgrBKu0I7DPD1z1iOXewWkNYlGVrtOmlqVVMzictxCFMdrr6S8vgYc7qua0kuQilZKND1fDcNUBm4jfml8Gpo51Bwltl9hDT1qEa15eAapFr7XC7~qfTPJvZPcFvVNCDbp6d6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Needham, MA","date","2025-06-02T18:35:08Z","article","On May 22, 2025, town sustainability staff and consultants presented design progress for two adjacent Alderbrook watershed projects intended to reduce localized flooding, improve water quality and restore habitat.

Gabby Queenan, Needham’s sustainability manager, told the commission both projects are in design and that “construction funding hasn't been identified for either project yet.” The presentations described different funding sources for design: the DeFazio parking‑lot design was funded by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Coastal Habitat and Water Quality grant program; the wetland restoration/daylighting design was funded through the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) with EPA grant support.

DeFazio parking lot: Beta Group engineers described a 50% design that reduces the current impervious footprint, directs runoff to a bioretention/rain garden in the low corner of the lot and provides inlet controls and an emergency overflow to limit velocity into downstream wetlands. The design will treat roughly a 0.5‑inch rainfall depth for the treated area; Beta estimated a construction cost around $180,000. Native plantings proposed include red‑twig dogwood, witch hazel, red oak, perennial wildflower mixes and ornamental grasses. The design team said inlet control structures will simplify sediment maintenance for DPW staff.

Alderbrook wetland/stream daylighting: Beta and ecological consultants outlined plans to remove a 36‑inch culvert, daylight a short stream segment and reconnect the channel to adjacent wetland floodplain. The plan calls for regrading to spread floodwater into the restored wetland, substantial invasive‑species removal (phragmites, glossy buckthorn, Japanese knotweed and multiflora rose), habitat enhancements (logs and brush piles) and native plant palettes tailored to emergent and upland zones. Engineers noted the existing culvert is undersized relative to the watershed and can produce perched outlets and scour; daylighting will add floodplain storage and slow flows before they reach a concrete channel along the DPW yard.

Commissioners asked about measurable flood‑reduction capacity. Staff and consultants said a full watershed hydraulic model would be needed to quantify total capacity gains and that these projects are intended as incremental, replicable steps toward larger resilience goals. Commissioner Fred asked whether the concrete channel downstream remained a limiting factor; staff said multiple projects and incremental investments will be needed to address the broader flood risk in the Dedham‑Alderbrook corridor.

No formal action was taken; the commission provided feedback on plant palettes, tree replacement policies and habitat details and requested continued coordination on tree protection and snags preservation during construction.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Conservation Commission 05/22/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Town staff and project partners presented design-stage plans for two adjacent projects in the Alderbrook watershed: a bioretention rain garden at the DeFazio parking lot (CZM-funded design, estimated $180,000 construction cost) and a culvert removal/stream daylighting and wetland restoration downstream funded in part by CRWA modeling work.","taxTitle","Town of Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",54445,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6218858,"Wellesley Conservation Land Trust seeks deeper ties with Needham, highlights local holdings and programs",844,1159000,2003000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3624154-3732c00aad1149ef7dca20ec008c497a&start=1159&end=2003","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3624154-3732c00aad1149ef7dca20ec008c497a/thumbnail_1159000.jpg","/articles/6218858/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Wellesley-Conservation-Land-Trust-seeks-deeper-ties-with-Needham-highlights-local-holdings-and-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218858-ea0296b4afccecce0053bc0345d62ce5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193010&Signature=DS2lw2yM3SwuSrmG1xul5Hz161zBRfTWdVKQB9nV9g7qRp8sGx1mBef1t-47RSMbgr8ShraeYXJyiOVfJlY8fjmDn14jJZQVZb~lnJvAU7oLl92CqCOYG08wsP-EvZizEC3BykCyypVDLLAQ~EEmQ63KfmvYyK-6OzzFSffKWuWsss6CKgTx0M1Xn5DTITImKor0aG2gBKyEw5REnpUMOlxp~ytB6SCFLwSgRY0w57XoAcij~HJT3~-Z16F7D1xF9bnmAJnjJNEv33oCPPXWVdb5X~3lGP8EGZBz~6F18J2rB3BV9kxEOJYW7YNvy2oM6Wwzt~0W3bAPOj5MwTtt0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the May 22, 2025 meeting, Michael Tobin, president of the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust, and Andrea (Needham resident and town meeting member) introduced the trust to the Needham Conservation Commission and described the group’s holdings and activities in Needham and neighboring towns.

Tobin said the land trust owns and manages more than 45 acres of natural land across its service area and holds conservation restrictions, including two with Wellesley College and a town parcel that he described as an existing protected area. He said approximately 12 acres of the Guernsey Sanctuary lie in Needham and that the trust is discussing transfer or management of two existing Needham conservation restrictions currently held by the Needham Land Trust.

The presenters outlined programs the trust runs or supports: sanctuary cleanups, invasive species removals, educational programming with schools and the library, and volunteer stewardship. Tobin described a pilot “storyscapes” program for the Guernsey Sanctuary to interpret the land’s cultural, historical and ecological narratives; the board applied for a $5,000 grant to fund raised boardwalk sections through persistently swampy trail segments and expects to fund the remainder through private fundraising if the grant is awarded.

Commissioners welcomed the outreach. Commissioner Fred said the trust’s approach to balancing open space and housing resonated with ongoing local discussions about tree preservation and land use.","Representatives of the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust introduced the organization to the Needham Conservation Commission, describing land holdings that include roughly 12 acres in Needham and outlining volunteer and education programs and restoration plans.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6218863,"Conservation commission pauses decision on 311 Dedham Avenue after mitigation shortfall and DEP involvement",159,255000,414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3624154-3732c00aad1149ef7dca20ec008c497a&start=255&end=414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3624154-3732c00aad1149ef7dca20ec008c497a/thumbnail_255000.jpg","/articles/6218863/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Conservation-commission-pauses-decision-on-311-Dedham-Avenue-after-mitigation-shortfall-and-DEP-involvement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218863-2d24bea70f9c0b8c742d3ae4f1b43d2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193010&Signature=jydhEwJ2D1mMC-N6N1sZQ7F5QcDjBsg~HSjJqw4yWAgIQsMHKSE65IeXmwx5UR9Q2B3giCQ4pAl1snUd3xHC1Xa2FqhAoDkuRjUZi9KxidyaHsXYv1n2Ruy9yM629gGlkKvvWblbsEDWcObE4POKU7FEtQ41xvt3cb5pPlyZh7F-aFA1dEPmlCwjihyp-ikQEtcbz7UQq39spdIl-bEuZTErtDGm6~BdxeWjXkVxJ3qUfpQrT7xrRl0HcBZ~rFhCLLsJWu6SEYzrdwfg338qkp9frSyIGL3cZUyortVaXQk4JFpEWTfOnO9exzeShyjqvu3OvoIweyY9aEGgoqPREA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the May 22, 2025 meeting, the Needham Conservation Commission discussed a request for a Certificate of Compliance for work at 311 Dedham Avenue but did not vote and asked for more documentation and a possible site visit.

Staff told the commission that DEP had appealed the project under the state’s riverfront regulations but, after meetings and revised plans, DEP returned jurisdiction to the commission. As part of the original filing, the applicant was required to create 1,100 square feet of mitigation area. Staff reported the as-built condition reduces the mitigation by roughly 682 square feet because the approved lawn limits were extended on multiple sides of the house.

The owner who joined the meeting said he had reduced some impervious surfaces (he cited an improvement of roughly 252 square feet) and asked the commission to inspect the site. He stated, “At this point, with the improvement of 250 square feet, right, I will I will request the conservation commission to come to the site and have a look.”

Commissioners and staff agreed the engineer’s certification must clearly document any deviations from the approved plan. Commissioner Paulina and others requested a clearer as‑built plan showing what restoration and plantings were actually installed. Commissioner Reid noted that species lists included with the submission appeared to contain non‑native species; staff said wetlands consultant Karen Catrone would re‑visit the site and discuss planting and monitoring with the owner.

No motion or vote was taken. The commission indicated it would continue the item and seek an as‑built plan, clearer monitoring/planting documentation, and possibly an on‑site review before acting.","Commissioners asked for more documentation and a site review after staff flagged a 682-square-foot shortfall in required mitigation at 311 Dedham Avenue; DEP previously appealed the project under riverfront regulations and later returned jurisdiction to the commission.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6218868,"Needham conservation panel issues certificate of compliance for 26 George Agate Road",103,136000,239000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3624154-3732c00aad1149ef7dca20ec008c497a&start=136&end=239","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3624154-3732c00aad1149ef7dca20ec008c497a/thumbnail_136000.jpg","/articles/6218868/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-conservation-panel-issues-certificate-of-compliance-for-26-George-Agate-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218868-3d6e3c282a9d4c38f8515b59e09ce1d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193010&Signature=DlQl1wbDFHR3LXvCVHWdq5LXsFOYNdah79PwZsmKz6nEndwHxbudUxy50zUbiemG2ukR7xaTOuyypK4kprD3azDdeMYT-9B~5oyOix4BvZWrcjaZqbeBflysAHNe1Zp7Hh4bs6uDvzFXNxPvPE~mT~KGkjSgW0qWFIsfObww8FvkwzH9FlilW2e~QuSiDD12-8p-a5bBQc4TM-2mGhqRXh6~wPnSoUPNP~bbSg7ZAOA3wpu56v6uryYbx3VDR2CRsR4hjz94XfSOixcVYNhB-xsbXHoay1lKtLyOuDj4dCi4nSPmJFZeM1vnGUmK3gCj7gbQUL9L5J~q~GnJRHTCrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On May 22, 2025, the Needham Conservation Commission voted by roll call to issue a Certificate of Compliance for work completed at 26 George Agate Road (DEP file 234-820).

The project involved an addition to a garage, driveway expansion and two new decks. The applicant initially planned to install a Coltec infiltration system, but installers found groundwater was too high. The town engineering department authorized a deviation allowing the project to tie into the town stormwater system; the engineer signed off on the work and staff reported no outstanding issues.

Commission Chair Dave Harrer asked for the motion to issue the certificate; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call vote. Commissioner Fred (last name not specified in the transcript) voted “Aye,” Commissioner Reid voted “Aye,” and Commissioner Elena voted “Aye.” The chair confirmed the motion carried.

The commission’s staff said the town engineering department granted the necessary permission for the deviation and that the engineer’s certification accompanied the application. No further enforcement or follow-up tasks were recorded in the meeting minutes.

The action closes the file before the commission unless new information arises or DEP raises further issues.","The Needham Conservation Commission voted to issue a Certificate of Compliance for work at 26 George Agate Road after approving a deviation from the approved infiltration system to connect to the town stormwater system.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Needham outlines two Alderbrook-area climate resilience projects: parking lot bioretention and stream daylighting

Wellesley Conservation Land Trust seeks deeper ties with Needham, highlights local holdings and programs

Conservation commission pauses decision on 311 Dedham Avenue after mitigation shortfall and DEP involvement

Needham conservation panel issues certificate of compliance for 26 George Agate Road