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

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.