[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6178249,"mediaKeyId","5324749-d93abec6cbecbd43dbdd49eeb203607d","parentId",5324749,"title","Conservation commission authorizes land-grant application for 72-acre parcel in Southern Mineral Hills","audioSeconds",379,"startMs",6046000,"endMs",6425000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5324749-d93abec6cbecbd43dbdd49eeb203607d&start=6046&end=6425","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5324749-d93abec6cbecbd43dbdd49eeb203607d/thumbnail_6046000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6178249/Massachusetts/Conservation-commission-authorizes-land-grant-application-for-72-acre-parcel-in-Southern-Mineral-Hills","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178249-2644cc865f86ddedc6cd17c9623708b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773775591&Signature=Ch-2cQ~QA3t0IoqJe~IgZBB8RxtwPDj0kXi8yX4evmIrp6BewrYTC986bRQXBRG-JzyUzXh8b50ZccPz3Lu1IGKKZh7ECCB0SB4X1zREyQnu~SpfN7s6LWthqXinF~mZnD1hdTjErS6hlOGorapgf0KoUX6DfnXvfu3n4r8gAhIvGftZlJO8MnR7aZAfuTGkTFUeuh56QHFICQcGPQVaMJpNpfg2j7I9Aaj82pHX7OzpI86K59st91YXnnXuIMf1crJ8PbAcinCJOb1VPwb9iNrhMSpda97Dv2M665o6z-tr8diXDJ61XR8d33LlqI99T8X62ypEbM~HLa2r-gBu1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Northampton City, MA","date","2025-07-07T14:34:20Z","article","The Northampton Conservation Commission on June 26 authorized staff to submit a state land-grant application for acquisition of roughly 72 acres in the Southern Mineral Hills (Andre Lane / Loudville area), adjacent to existing Ridge Conservation Area holdings. The commission voted unanimously to proceed with the land-grant application and to pursue Community Preservation Act funds and private donations to close a remaining funding gap.

Staff reported the parcel is owned by the descendants of Sam Crocioni and consists of three parcels that abut the Ridge Conservation Area and a nearby permanently protected subdivision (Kensington Estates). Sarah, the conservation staff member, described exposed ledge, uncommon habitat types for Northampton, and attractive views of the Holyoke Range from the property. The agreed purchase price is $600,000. Staff explained that a state land-grant program typically covers a portion of acquisition-related soft costs and that Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds will be sought in the fall FY26 round; the land grant can cover up to a portion of costs but will not cover the entire purchase price.

Commissioners voted to authorize submission of the land-grant application and to proceed with preparing CPA and donation requests; staff noted the city’s CPA allocations for FY25 are already committed and that new CPA funds become available in the FY26 cycle beginning July 1. The commission asked staff to pursue appraisals, Phase I environmental review, survey work and fundraising to assemble the full acquisition package and indicated a desire to close quickly if grant funding is awarded.

The motion to authorize the land-grant submission passed by roll call; staff will follow up on appraisals and other due diligence work and coordinate Community Preservation and donor outreach.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Northampton Conservation Commission | June 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission authorized staff to submit a state land-grant application and pursue Community Preservation Act and other funds to acquire roughly 72 acres adjacent to existing conservation land in the Southern Mineral Hills (Andre Lane / Loudville area).","taxTitle","Northampton City, Hampshire County, Massachusetts","taxId",68541,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6178254,"Commission approves restoration, planting and fencing conditions for Stonewall Drive buffer disturbance",2592,3544000,6136000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5324749-d93abec6cbecbd43dbdd49eeb203607d&start=3544&end=6136","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5324749-d93abec6cbecbd43dbdd49eeb203607d/thumbnail_3544000.jpg","/articles/6178254/Massachusetts/Commission-approves-restoration-planting-and-fencing-conditions-for-Stonewall-Drive-buffer-disturbance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178254-079623d92a209298b728df6d7a6d3225/orig.mp4?Expires=1773775591&Signature=BwVT1mvlxGlG2cePP-Ef~7Tci2ojX8hJRGINQij3XrQrhxW5a~P0XVhiSe4uV73b8193pnAiL1o9wy3v406jeq17zWWEBBzREcHEO2wSVth~y5hM3UYsDQJ7nx3pcoJdYPG72VK0VHQt0Bxdub7Pw88IGyajQ7cVlDVpEcmSXI4YD60ZsWwloyopODvCD8eHi3CRLnj5I~2dsd3WtP~inYBxiEocLpFrAtvtIlPNMoRKBvvwUyu8Q4-BR~19Q5l2FPcBwAmi6~SIFhvhq-IkkbO4ytbMOrYqthsETE4fvxWpfEmfZNX2zQHpGbW1cmpKuf0LR4XDcBUgxlfIw4-RHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Northampton Conservation Commission on June 26 granted an order of conditions for grading and landscaping work on 42 Stonewall Drive that followed an enforcement order. The commission required restoration plantings, limits on lawn maintenance within the buffer, permanent markers at the 100-foot buffer, and a monitoring period before issuing a certificate of compliance.

GZA environmental scientist Susanna Souza and GCA wetland scientist Joe Rogers presented the notice of intent and explained the work responded to an enforcement order issued in November 2024. They described three parcels at 42 Stonewall Drive, mapped wetlands C and D, and showed existing and proposed plans: restoration seedings, native shrub and tree plantings, reinstallation and modification of an old fence line, and silt fence placement as erosion control. The plan includes a conservation/wildlife seed mix, native plant species and a restoration-planting table submitted with the notice of intent.

Commissioners focused on the standard that work within 100 feet of wetlands should be avoided unless reasonable alternatives do not exist. Commissioners and the applicant discussed moving or reorienting the fence so the closest corner would be at least 10 feet from the wetland, establishing native plantings outside the fence, and using large boulders to mark the 100-foot boundary. The property owner, Mark (respondent), agreed to pull the fence back and to replace split-rail and stockade sections in kind; he also confirmed there would be no herbicide or fertilizer applications in the buffer area (owner and neighbors stated mowing only).

Neighbors raised concerns about tree removal and noise from prior unpermitted work. The applicant's team proposed installing about 75 trees and shrubs in total (approximately 25 trees in the immediate area) and committing to a planting maintenance program. The commission conditioned the order of conditions on: (1) demarcating a minimum 10-foot buffer to the south wetland D with a split-rail fence; (2) restoring the area outside that fence to a natural state with the submitted native seed mix and plant list; (3) prohibiting chemical lawn treatments and exogenous fertilizers within the buffer; (4) demarcating the 100-foot buffer on the west (wetland C) with large boulders spaced no more than 10 feet apart; and (5) requiring a three-year survival/maintenance assessment of plantings to be verified by staff before issuance of a certificate of compliance.

The commission closed the hearing and approved the order of conditions by roll call vote.","After an enforcement-driven notice of intent for grading and landscaping at 42 Stonewall Drive, the commission closed the hearing and granted an order of conditions requiring restoration plantings, a 10-foot demarcated buffer, boulders marking a 100-foot boundary, and a three-year plant survival assessment.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6178260,"Commission issues negative determination for tight-tank septic repair on East Hampton Road",849,2705000,3554000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5324749-d93abec6cbecbd43dbdd49eeb203607d&start=2705&end=3554","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5324749-d93abec6cbecbd43dbdd49eeb203607d/thumbnail_2705000.jpg","/articles/6178260/Massachusetts/Commission-issues-negative-determination-for-tight-tank-septic-repair-on-East-Hampton-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178260-6fdd6c721d69dee3931b6b41e0209b2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773775591&Signature=X07E5oNQucX~fv6tssud9emY6vyrz7GKkRVFaRjKKmZMrQtJURIIsKkGowUYCqe6wU-Wi~-CDidkTDPeP6ufQAmPDZvfc6ASB2xbSgEuD9Vwr3YUVrbtxhAIDRwQUk3VFeR5QMY65dukRXbljKw892qioKfzeMRvi~bqoUr~vTXgcRT7c7457Sjsls~HFGDXMOk7iW74o5uHFoSngaZp1~yALWhtoD6ld7dRmXT-oz4aVDjm4ZS3i1Mro4PeLVsRpDaushyd8JCCPAXhkIJptJDFcrJqF2z2o1WMycwR178fLou41kIuEsyr2cpzxbfAl4qOfsKl~t~38xU2Jgvg~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Northampton Conservation Commission on June 26 issued a negative determination (checking Box 2 on the RDA form) for a remedial tight-tank septic installation at a warehouse on East Hampton Road, concluding the proposed work will not alter wetland resource areas regulated under the local wetlands ordinance.

Colm Desto of Arlo Vex, representing Phillips Enterprises, explained the owners failed a Title 5 percolation test because test pits encountered fill and no native soil suitable for a septic leach field. Desto said the Board of Health had approved the tight-tank approach and that the proposed tight tank would sit “right where the existing septic tank is,” with removal of the existing leach field. The plan retains the existing line from a second building and locates all work outside flagged wetland areas, though entirely within the riverfront (100-foot) area.

Commissioners asked technical questions about operation, maintenance and contingency measures. Desto said the owner will have a contract with a licensed septic hauler for regular pump-outs; the tight tank includes multiple float alarms and backup power and was designed with conservatism in tank sizing. He said the proposed tight tank is sized at about 3,000 gallons and that the existing septic tank is likely around 1,500 gallons. The applicant described buoyancy (ballast) wings and a buoyancy calculation to prevent the tank from rising in saturated soils.

Commissioners also discussed erosion-control measures for removal of the leach field and proposed silt-fence placement around the limit of work; the applicant said erosion controls will be installed outside the wetland buffer. Commissioners asked whether sewer connections exist nearby; staff and participants said municipal sewer is roughly 1,800 feet away on Earl Street and that a sewer connection would be a substantial expense.

After discussion, a motion was made, seconded and approved by roll call to issue a negative determination (Box 2) that the work will not alter the wetland resource areas. The commission recorded an affirmative roll call (Paul, David, Beth, Melissa, Mason, Downey and Kevin voted yes).","The commission found that a proposed remedial tight-tank system at a warehouse on East Hampton Road will not alter wetland resource areas under local ordinance; the Board of Health had already approved the tight-tank approach as the property lacks suitable native soils for a conventional Title 5 leach field.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6178265,"Northampton conservation panel continues hearing on proposed solar canopy over salvage yard on Mount Tom Road",2475,197000,2672000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5324749-d93abec6cbecbd43dbdd49eeb203607d&start=197&end=2672","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5324749-d93abec6cbecbd43dbdd49eeb203607d/thumbnail_197000.jpg","/articles/6178265/Massachusetts/Northampton-conservation-panel-continues-hearing-on-proposed-solar-canopy-over-salvage-yard-on-Mount-Tom-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6178265-396143c76aae81adfffda15de3f5a964/orig.mp4?Expires=1773775591&Signature=BG2u99hPIulznGZqZbO2Qp6lNz6-mkDgZEsMKClw0aC5RvMbJJ0~ZWiLkjTrvifZn67v3mCoBlrtUZ7KfysxDHAS5RQTfJ0qB7~sX0-jBU2OETvnO5XRW~kTNh5MhC4-J9zfxwUzDoq5qYD~IjEnOzvYou5Ntvr-YEJ~Xkhqq4-kwfXQQrw28AygCoDHFrIBBNX-ImupRFeVgXdffqloZNSzvmBst5jxLz~vRN3ciQz3z4WwRlle6lxhLnYKJQWCgqSu76r4Re6Ccz7vM27bQOfU6oxiYpIpZ9qe06fiOS2CEiTbYbBjy5LuaxYWaX2-eV-zx9Zq1SxdeHlg-Maspw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Northampton Conservation Commission members on June 26 continued a hearing on a notice of intent for construction of a solar-panel canopy and associated site work at a salvage yard on Mount Tom Road, scheduling the matter for further review on Aug. 14 and a site visit in the interim.

Commissioners said the application, as submitted, did not yet meet the commission's requirement that the entire site meet current riverfront and stormwater performance standards. The applicant submitted a June 16 letter and revised plans and committed to removal of “6 storage trailers,” provided revised compensatory storage calculations, and offered to consider operational limits, including reducing the number of vehicles stored on the site.

Commissioners said removal of trailers is a positive step but not sufficient to demonstrate improvement under the Wetlands Protection Act and the city wetlands ordinance. Commissioner Kevin (chair) said the commission cannot consider only the solar installation without an application that addresses “the entire site” and the ongoing management of drainage, catchment basins and petroleum separation. Commissioner Downey repeatedly urged pulling active operations back from the 50-foot protected riverfront zone and asked whether structures and the bioretention area could be relocated outside the 50-foot zone.

Michael Monod, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the revised materials and trailer removal were intended to satisfy local and state requirements and asked commissioners to identify any remaining specific items to approve the notice of intent. Roxanne Akerson, who identified herself as the owner/operator of the salvage-yard business, said she bought the site six years ago and offered to meet commissioners on-site and to limit cars and modify operations to address environmental concerns. “We could be on the same page of how you're interpreting the way things look,” Akerson said.

Commissioners and consultants discussed technical measures the commission expects when work affects riverfront and buffer-zone resources: a larger permanent berm or bioswale sized to capture the first flush of runoff; biotreatment/biofiltration; measures to keep petroleum and sediment from entering wetlands; and clear compensatory-storage recalculations if new berms or earthworks are proposed. A wetland consultant noted a mitigation planting plan and removal of invasive species and auto-related debris downslope would “greatly improve” the area if carried out and maintained, but commissioners stressed that permanent operational changes and physical structures are needed to provide lasting protection.

Several commissioners suggested incorporating an operations plan by reference in the order of conditions — a document the commission has used on other sites to require snow-storage plans, maintenance regimes, and ongoing operational constraints. Commissioner Gary (discussion participant) and others recommended a site visit with applicant representatives and staff, and development of a clear punch list staff can provide to the applicant to drive revisions.

The hearing was continued to Aug. 14 at 5:30 p.m.; the motion was moved and seconded and approved by roll call. The commission asked the applicant to review commission staff reports and DEP comments and to coordinate with staff and consultants to submit a revised application that: addresses full-site operations (not only the solar canopy); demonstrates how stormwater and pollutant-first-flush will be handled; shows any pullback from the 50-foot riverfront-protected zone or redesign of arrays/piers to avoid encroachment; and provides an operations plan that can be incorporated by reference into any approval.

The commission did not render a final approval or denial. The continuation preserves the commission's prior stance that the full property must be brought into compliance before a positive ruling on the solar installation can be made.

Looking ahead, the applicant and staff agreed to set up a mutually convenient site-visit date and for the applicant to take staff feedback into a revised submission ahead of the Aug. 14 meeting.","After months of review, the Conservation Commission continued a notice-of-intent hearing for a proposed solar canopy and site work at a salvage yard on Mount Tom Road, asking the applicant for a more complete plan addressing full-site operations, stormwater controls and pullback from protected riverfront areas.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Conservation commission authorizes land-grant application for 72-acre parcel in Southern Mineral Hills

Commission approves restoration, planting and fencing conditions for Stonewall Drive buffer disturbance

Commission issues negative determination for tight-tank septic repair on East Hampton Road

Northampton conservation panel continues hearing on proposed solar canopy over salvage yard on Mount Tom Road