[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6198011,"mediaKeyId","3849712-d3b5e1861825cb73453764ccf1d0fe9e","parentId",3849712,"title","Needham conservation panel approves order for new house at 160 Country Way with buffer plantings and stormwater controls","audioSeconds",5212,"startMs",212000,"endMs",5424000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3849712-d3b5e1861825cb73453764ccf1d0fe9e&start=212&end=5424","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3849712-d3b5e1861825cb73453764ccf1d0fe9e/thumbnail_212000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6198011/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-conservation-panel-approves-order-for-new-house-at-160-Country-Way-with-buffer-plantings-and-stormwater-controls","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6198011-1a429e987ab09e75155d5ad5ba09ed14/orig.mp4?Expires=1773708999&Signature=hOPGh3h78-Hh07naui1ttuRAOfss9yXiGXAbSM4xmaHDc~AuqXnqu5lx~Ruz0MbnJtvxJKhKCh~h1MjQMx0VtIGYvZ4LJIq~WqnV9Al3TZ3yvVzroTvqnWcv3E8KmFT2jBsq2oln07B0yHjDmmcdCCC178bdLUlty9pl6-EIvRcBLEtx7GYKG0YWg2NPt-EMSQbvhD~DkddftsbJS9wVgr0dhl4goFZSBCBNjs~zcl31z~2Ap-MdgvqdKak0OkAiRaCR2c-ivLbzzw9IP5Dxa2T5axoFntA1a03vlbT5MLeRONo7bu3Rnf0Yqz~1lZS4ebfA78bwXziGW5eLbIkVog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Needham, MA","date","2025-06-17T14:22:55Z","article","The Needham Conservation Commission voted Tuesday to issue an order of conditions for a notice of intent for construction of a new single‑family home at 160 Country Way, DEP file 234952. The commission approved removal of 413 square feet of impervious surface from the 25‑foot buffer and required native buffer plantings, recorded operation & maintenance (O&M) language for stormwater controls, and monitoring of the restoration areas.

The applicant, Mike Trimitozi, represented by Diane (Field Resources), presented plans showing the new house placed to avoid the 25‑foot buffer and removal of two sheds and a pool patio that had extended into the buffer. Diane said the project “removed 413 square feet within the 25 foot buffer” and that all new roof runoff would be managed on site with two infiltration chambers sized to Needham regulations.

The commission’s staff noted the project includes exemptions for certain riverfront activities but requested a signed stormwater O&M plan to be recorded with the order of conditions. A commission member who visited the site asked for specific O&M language and the agent agreed to provide a sample. The applicant also agreed to provide a detailed planting plan for the buffer for staff approval prior to installation.

During public comment abutters raised stormwater concerns. Greg McSweeney, who lives at 150 Country Way, said past grading on a neighboring lot contributed to runoff onto his property and asked that the commission ensure the work would not increase flow to his yard. Diane responded that the proposed design will route roof runoff to infiltration chambers and remove existing impervious area adjacent to the shared driveway, which she said should “be an improvement for any runoff.” Abutter Joseph Abruzzi confirmed the work would remove existing structures closest to his property and said the proposed disturbance would be “200, maybe 270 feet away” from his house.

The commission voted to close the hearing and later approved two waivers (work in the 25‑foot no‑disturb zone and waiver of the waiver fee) and the order of conditions. Special conditions require a signed stormwater O&M plan to be recorded, permanent markers and placards at the edges of mitigation plantings, a two‑year monitoring plan for restoration plantings, and that preconstruction activities may not proceed until the planting plan and O&M plan are provided to the conservation agent.

No trees were proposed for removal in the application; the applicant confirmed existing trees near the roadway will remain. The commission recorded that the project will remove existing impervious features within the outer riparian region and replace them with native plantings and vegetated buffer.

The commission’s vote to issue the order of conditions was recorded by roll call and passed unanimously.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Conservation Commission 06/12/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Needham Conservation Commission voted Tuesday to issue an order of conditions for a notice of intent for construction of a new single‑family home at 160 Country Way, DEP file 234952.","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},6198000,"Restoration plan proposed after encroachment onto conservation restriction at 27 Bell Lane",1238,3571000,4809000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3849712-d3b5e1861825cb73453764ccf1d0fe9e&start=3571&end=4809","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3849712-d3b5e1861825cb73453764ccf1d0fe9e/thumbnail_3571000.jpg","/articles/6198000/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Restoration-plan-proposed-after-encroachment-onto-conservation-restriction-at-27-Bell-Lane","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6198000-6a34684c3dd0872e15d9c243b1895ef4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773708999&Signature=iBcmbEa-wxkd4FMhppfGqyP7ka9PFMTDhqHSV8jIYVLGhBSZHztC5cW~3Np13rYJ6yH3wyntpI2lOcUoADZNv3LALYOzs1uiPQIeQuhkCtREh6btyntEVcEjANXkdmMazMtWLtszylYmlnzGR-pHCYrOVQ7bIz8ovXDK~DqBumOvWkj~Xv5sflusP4hZ8ElHoUPG6o~BNB653iSqA8hCHoqkMKw9NJebP8VSdW1Y9KmUcv7t1BP6DNTwcoa57xHMuYRiL9ZikSRiv6xUQVwr6BZaS88CI~lnle1CCgOtd8ljFYcIkGM9GMmIwOI97RCECW6s9-ahesQM3vp5-5f6-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The commission reviewed a proposed restoration plan for 27 Bell Lane after the property owners discovered they had cleared and removed topsoil within an area subject to a conservation restriction that the commission holds. Paul McManus of Ecotech presented the plan on behalf of the owners, describing an approximately 4,000‑square‑foot area where understory and topsoil were removed and six trees were cut.

McManus proposed restoring the area by importing a minimum of six inches of topsoil where it was removed, planting six native trees (minimum 2.5‑inch caliper) selected from a list that included red oak, white oak and white pine (he removed American beech from the list because of beech leaf disease), installing 50 native shrubs in 1‑gallon containers, applying an upland native seed mix, and leaving cut wood on site as coarse woody debris and snags for habitat.

Commissioners raised concerns that six replacement trees was insufficient given the lost canopy and the fact the removed trees likely were large caliper specimens; several commissioners recommended a 3:1 replacement ratio for significant trees or otherwise increasing tree numbers. Commissioners also asked for planting sizes appropriate to site conditions (several noted the commission’s tree‑replacement guidance specifies larger shrub stock) and for monitoring provisions. Staff noted the parcel contains a certified vernal pool and that the conservation restriction was intended to protect adjacent terrestrial habitat; commissioners emphasized care in species selection and planting placement to reflect site light and soil conditions.

McManus requested the commission table the matter so he could revise the plan with the owners, incorporate commissioner input on increased tree replacement and shrub sizes, and provide a monitoring and maintenance plan; the commission agreed to defer a final decision pending an updated submission.","Needham conservation staff and commissioners reviewed a restoration plan after owners of 27 Bell Lane discovered they had cleared about 4,000 square feet inside a conservation restriction held by the commission.",{"_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},6198005,"Commission accepts mitigation plan, cistern solution for 26 George Agate addition",514,2242000,2756000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3849712-d3b5e1861825cb73453764ccf1d0fe9e&start=2242&end=2756","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3849712-d3b5e1861825cb73453764ccf1d0fe9e/thumbnail_2242000.jpg","/articles/6198005/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Commission-accepts-mitigation-plan-cistern-solution-for-26-George-Agate-addition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6198005-15db7ad66d2c7253e0504a06074fed5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773708999&Signature=bNAdC0z2Jvi1kgMBVg-OLh4c4fkWA6e6d7-DQoo6~baKnGOm-66fb~2slSvQ4QcGc6usxMJwDqEfw-OTNOiGjk39HEjcMCytdtaNfLv~IYicOsilbgx5qq-f5QW2vLMHyTjuqcv6AP8-AU88MuM-ABxGVkxJA2CkpDbx~EQNhFd6kK0yNXgEVn6is~4mzs1rJT2~FGNaNufVawQj~~hqyvWrr3hYTokgFr4CN2AjpSfRGhPk3QK1zOr~ah1boXYWXCstNLkFHWWK~50k5ZlMxfQHS097JY3q3X6RJNjoBhjYyWbO0f6bINP-Or6KzxIm8x7Bvopi13iBR3QR5fqAlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Needham Conservation Commission closed the hearing and approved an order of conditions for 26 George Agate Road, DEP file 234951, where the owner seeks a 250‑square‑foot addition and a reduced deck footprint. The site lies within the 200‑foot riverfront area for Elder Brook, and past soil testing showed high groundwater prevented subsurface infiltration.

Ryan Vickers of Dillis & Roy presented the project with applicant Aaron Steves of Capito Builders. Vickers explained that the site’s poor soil conditions led Needham Engineering to recommend an above‑ground cistern to capture roof runoff; the selected 305‑gallon tank will store water for irrigation and has an emergency overflow that connects to the existing subdrain and the town system. Vickers said the stormwater design was submitted to and signed off by Needham Engineering.

Because the proposal cannot claim removal of existing deck area as reduced impervious, the project represents a net increase of about 250 square feet in the riverfront area. To meet riverfront performance standards, the owner agreed to provide 500 square feet of mitigation plantings (a 2:1 ratio) and to mark the mitigation areas with permanent markers and informational placards. Vickers presented a planting plan that uses native species to mirror existing vegetation — including red maple, highbush blueberry, inkberry and witch hazel — and said the owner would accept demarcation with boulders or placards.

Commission staff visited the site and supported the mitigation locations and cistern approach; staff requested an operation and maintenance plan be recorded with the order of conditions and a monitoring requirement be added. Commissioners asked that the mitigation areas be permanently demarcated on site and that the cistern have a simple O&M schedule recorded with the condition; the agent said the commission’s standard O&M form would be supplied.

The commission voted to close the hearing and to issue the order of conditions, contingent on submission of the final planting plan and a recorded O&M plan. The commission also directed that monitoring of the mitigation plantings be required and that the mitigation areas be defined with permanent markers or natural boulders.","The commission closed the hearing and approved an order of conditions for a 250‑square‑foot addition at 26 George Agate Road (DEP 234951) after applicants added a 2:1 riverfront mitigation planting plan and an above‑ground cistern to manage stormwater when subsurface infiltration is not feasible.",{"_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},6197990,"Commissioners discuss Ridge Hill trails and broader conservation protections for town open space",576,5470000,6046000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3849712-d3b5e1861825cb73453764ccf1d0fe9e&start=5470&end=6046","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3849712-d3b5e1861825cb73453764ccf1d0fe9e/thumbnail_5470000.jpg","/articles/6197990/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Commissioners-discuss-Ridge-Hill-trails-and-broader-conservation-protections-for-town-open-space","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197990-d027c1b5ce91904432dab7dc9a6e13b4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773708999&Signature=K7tC5~2mPemPNOvLxv5eFFo0YFG93ds1wU6yaQHKdkJUSXBayE5Tbl5eCoj4jVkkNsaUE-iQUK30Tu07NV594GsuWrw01uxqXvFfKUkZrw9x6fxpeRTBeye1FS9Wedw0jguSl~6cJOQ~zFAq2GndtkZ3qF5HE3w5VDeXbOFhcQ5WSuNDRiNGtvYpcoBWTPqLSLjN5gVWlH4Gk53WG5MvZFbtMv4FjcKMKnT2djDAOR8hHbvvvneLuLAU5YkN0gqv~iL9DNypqOACfVUXJuUvNuIOajbH7LIPTIGzQNyeytU3R1KH8A0dYZx2EB-klfXtV4iEQqDa4YplWvabjDfcpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners used the meeting’s closing minutes to discuss trail conditions at Ridge Hill and broader town policy on open‑space protection. Chair Dave Harrer and commissioners described an over‑wide mown path across the meadow and degraded trail tread on the Fit Trail; commissioners and staff agreed to meet on site with Parks & Forestry staff to evaluate mowing patterns and needed repairs.

Commissioner comments noted that several town open‑space parcels lack long‑term conservation restrictions and that parcels purchased with Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds require third‑party conservation restrictions. Commissioners discussed whether more parcels should carry such permanent protections; the conservation agent said the town has two CPA‑funded properties with recorded conservation restrictions and that the select board is considering third‑party holders for those easements.

The commission asked staff to provide a copy of a previous report about open‑space restrictions, and commissioners agreed to forward comments on the select board’s goals for fiscal 2026–27 to the agent, who will compile and send them to the select board. Commissioners also discussed a planned procurement process for trail signage and agreed to seek site visits to identify a limited scope of trail fixes that could be contracted.","Commissioners discussed trail maintenance at Ridge Hill and gaps in long‑term legal protection for town open space, including the need for conservation restrictions on parcels bought with CPA funds; commissioners agreed to coordinate site visits and propose comments to the select board’s goals.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6197995,"Conservation commission issues certificate of compliance for 190 Edgewater Drive",263,3304000,3567000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3849712-d3b5e1861825cb73453764ccf1d0fe9e&start=3304&end=3567","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3849712-d3b5e1861825cb73453764ccf1d0fe9e/thumbnail_3304000.jpg","/articles/6197995/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Conservation-commission-issues-certificate-of-compliance-for-190-Edgewater-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6197995-ef7c2188c7940f7f8b48ef2247740d21/orig.mp4?Expires=1773708999&Signature=nPjfEN-4CEtGk3EGJKYOdwaZ7URYS3OZTEhsgnsG5I0oy1BMV6Ou7WxGB2942tNzlh-N88tPjlNaEepvXluMD7nVWomL7jrss5-TtKZTFs2bL5htFmbqPwdDK5yp6~YCTr6ckvca~GUZeiJiWucnsD-YDEPD-cbK7hiqinPQeacxZxx74l2Ay4dKEePQ~PYYo9o7tZMN1PEYuwUltxVCSyYnT9-InczTWR9E~f2c4zcNf3TSCTvxZo77wntYQCIdS21KyvPI9QVpWjXCSkGMJi5Gv~sK6ngKWrAQk1iHCAoCavqiB7vldlCm0Zj-anQtx7kVFKX-DuluBiDy-nKxUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Needham Conservation Commission issued a certificate of compliance for 190 Edgewater Drive, DEP file 234916, after staff confirmed post‑construction conditions matched the approved plan and required plantings were completed.

Contractor Doug Sherman and homeowner David Nektow presented photographs, the surveyor’s as‑built and a sign‑off letter showing minor deviations from the approved plan. The surveyor’s certification noted the main addition was built smaller than proposed and that a proposed 7×26‑foot deck was constructed as a porch; the overall as‑built did not increase net impervious area beyond the original approved plan. Staff confirmed plantings were completed and were acceptable.

Commissioners voted by roll call to issue the certificate of compliance. The commission recorded that the as‑built documents and the surveyor’s letter will be retained with the file.","The commission issued a certificate of compliance for work at 190 Edgewater Drive (DEP 234916) after staff confirmed as‑built changes did not increase net impervious area and plantings were installed as required.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Needham conservation panel approves order for new house at 160 Country Way with buffer plantings and stormwater controls

Restoration plan proposed after encroachment onto conservation restriction at 27 Bell Lane

Commission accepts mitigation plan, cistern solution for 26 George Agate addition

Commissioners discuss Ridge Hill trails and broader conservation protections for town open space

Conservation commission issues certificate of compliance for 190 Edgewater Drive