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Staff update: Breakneck Hill Farm quiet; DCR notified about unauthorized clearing at McNeil properties
Summary
Staff reported no new activity at Breakneck Hill Farm; the commission was briefed on recent unauthorized tree clearing behind properties at 5 and 7 McNeil Road and agreed to wait for the conservation agent and DCR coordination before taking action.
At the Oct. 2 meeting the conservation staff reported no new activity at Breakneck Hill Farm and provided updates on several open and active sites.
National Grid has installed required erosion controls and will begin work the following week; staff said Melissa has inspected some controls and that National Grid supplied photos for the remainder. The commission was also briefed on an unauthorized tree‑clearing incident behind 5 and 7 McNeil Road. Staff said the homeowner at 5 McNeil hired a tree company based on a neighbor's understanding that DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) had approved some clearing; staff said DCR had not granted approval. The homeowner said he was apologetic and willing to work with the commission and DCR on restoration and any required remediation.
Commissioners agreed to wait for agent Melissa to return and to coordinate with DCR before making any enforcement decisions or restoration requirements. Staff said they will follow up with both homeowners and DCR and bring the matter back to the commission when Melissa is available to inspect the site and advise on next steps.
Staff also noted that 118–120 Turnpike submitted materials to amend an order of conditions to incorporate additional work reported by Lucas Environmental; that item will be on a future agenda.
