Commission approves Chester Street redevelopment plan with added drainage and native planting conditions

The Worcester Conservation Commission on Oct. 20 issued an Order of Conditions for Lots 9–12 Chester Street after the applicant revised plans to address staff and Department of Public Works concerns.

The project team — represented by James Tatro of Expedited Engineering and property owner Michael Pham — presented a revised site plan in response to earlier staff comments and a DPW site meeting. The revisions removed a previously proposed headwall behind Lot 10 and substituted infiltration trenches and area drains connected to the street drainage system.

Why it matters: the changes were made to reduce long‑term maintenance concerns and to clarify responsibility for stormwater connections by providing individual lot connections to the existing street system.

What the commission approved: the final Order of Conditions includes (per staff recommendations) revised stamped plans, depiction of riprap locations on grading sheets, an operation & maintenance plan for area drains and infiltration trenches, certification of stormwater infrastructure as‑built, and a planting list limited to native species within the 100‑foot buffer zone.

Project details and comments from the hearing: - James Tatro, project engineer for Expedited Engineering, said the revised design adds a 3‑foot‑wide, 3‑foot‑deep infiltration trench behind the rear lots, widened infiltration trenches behind additional lots, area drains behind proposed houses to collect downhill runoff, and riprap grading between Lot 9 and Lot 8. Tatro noted, “we have proposed connections of the retaining walls to those area drains, and each one is to go out to the street for an individual connection to the existing drainage system in the street so that there's no question of responsibility.”

- Eric Flint, Division of Planning and Regulatory Services staff, reported that the project lies within the 100‑year flood plain and that removing the curb is expected to increase flood storage on the street; staff provided a draft Order of Conditions covering standard and site‑specific items.

Commissioners asked about backyard drains and homeowner maintenance. Tatro said the area drains are designed to be local lows that pick up runoff; he and staff described simple homeowner maintenance (clearing leaves from grates) as typically sufficient unless an unusual blockage occurs.

The commission voted to close the hearing and issue the Order of Conditions; roll‑call votes were recorded as aye by Commissioners Stuart Kirschner, Lindsey Nystrom and Chair Diane Frittone.

Next steps: the applicant must submit the revised plan sheets and the O&M plan, and provide certification of the stormwater infrastructure and an as‑built plan as part of the certificate of compliance process.