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After-the-fact grading work at 60 Columbian Street draws public concern; hearing continued for stormwater follow-up
Summary
The Planning Board continued a public hearing Oct. 14 on an after-the-fact grading and stormwater application for 60 Columbian Street after staff and abutters said work began before permits were obtained.
The Planning Board held a public hearing Oct. 14 on a grading permit and site modifications at 60 Columbian Street (Planning Board file 2509). The application covers expansion of an existing parking area, regrading, a retaining wall under 4 feet and stormwater improvements to support an active tenant occupying the former Mass Lottery/RMV building.
Engineer Carlos Sculte (Civil & Environmental Consultants) told the board the work was limited to a roughly 2.5-acre area within a 30.3-acre parcel, and that the applicant installed a subsurface stormwater detention system, water-quality structures, and inserts in existing catch basins. “All the construction was done in accordance with the plans that were prepared,” Sculte said, and the applicant submitted erosion-control photos, an operations-and-maintenance plan and an as-built plan during the review.
Planning Director Matczak told the board the building-office inspection that prompted the matter found work had been done prior to permits being issued. Matczak said the applicant and design team were cooperative and had since provided photographs and documentation; staff recommended continuing the hearing so outstanding items could be supplied to stormwater management and public-works reviewers.
Abutters voiced concern that no town inspector had overseen the work while it was underway. Deanna Murphy of 77 Tommy Mox Way (Weymouth), an abutter, told the board: “As an abutter, we like to know when things are happening.” She and other neighbors urged the board to ensure on-site inspections and affidavit confirmation that construction matched approved plans.
Planning staff identified a remaining checklist of documents: a stormwater permit application (minor stormwater permit), an affidavit from the civil engineer certifying work was completed to plan standards, HydroCAD files and formal operations-and-maintenance materials. Staff indicated photos and some as-built materials had been provided the morning of the hearing and the stormwater team had received installation photographs.
The board continued the hearing to Nov. 12 to allow submission of the remaining stormwater documentation and to give staff time to draft recommended conditions.
Record: motion to continue to Nov. 12 made by Member McCombie, second by Member Connolly; vote unanimous.
