Norwood Council Holds Public Hearing on 255 Sumner Street Deck Replacement Request

The Conservation Commission meeting in Norwood on August 21, 2025, focused on a significant public hearing regarding a request for determination of applicability for a project at 255 Sumner Street. The applicant, Matthew Britton, represented by Karen Skinner Cottron, sought approval for the after-the-fact filling of a deck replacement at a single-family home located in a flood zone and riverfront area.

Skinner detailed that the project involves replacing a deck over an existing patio, with no new impervious surfaces being added. The work is situated outside the 50-foot buffer zone, and the existing conditions include a pool located between the wetland line and the construction area. Importantly, the project does not involve any vegetation removal, which was a key point of discussion.

Commissioners expressed no concerns, with one member noting the positive aspect of compensatory flood storage being implemented. The consensus was that the project would not adversely affect the wetlands, as it is essentially a modification over an already impervious surface.

The meeting concluded without objections from the audience or commissioners, indicating a smooth path forward for the project. The approval of this request highlights the commission's commitment to balancing development needs with environmental protection in flood-prone areas.