Commission issues negative determination for short Salem Country Club cart‑path repaving with tree‑protection condition

The Peabody Conservation Commission on March 12 issued a negative determination for a limited repaving of a golf cart path near the ninth hole at Salem Country Club, subject to a condition requiring tree‑protection measures adjacent to Forest Street.

Barry Fogel, attorney for Salem Country Club, and superintendent Bill Rocco told the commission the work will be a one‑day operation: crews will remove the old path material, load it into trucks and repave the same day. The attorney said the section in question sits at the outer edge of the 100‑foot buffer from a mapped wetland and that New England Paving will perform the work.

Commissioners voiced no substantive objections to repaving but asked that the work include measures to protect trees along the scenic roadway where heavy equipment could swing booms. Commissioner Michael Rizzo said he had “no problem with the project” but urged care so that trees are not damaged. The commission adopted a condition requiring pre‑work tree protection (for example, temporary fencing or stakes) and asked that staff be notified when the work is scheduled.

Vote details: the motion to issue a negative determination with a tree‑protection condition was made by Vice Chairman Michael Rizzo, seconded by Commissioner Arthur Athas, and passed by roll call 5–0.

The commission accepted the applicant’s characterization of the work as minor but required notification to staff and implementation of tree‑protection measures because of the site’s proximity to Forest Street and its scenic character.