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Homeowners to expand replanting plan after removing waterfront trees at 71 Chanticleer Road; hearing continued
Summary
A petition to replace six trees removed near the waterfront at 71 Chanticleer Road was presented as a scaled-back replanting plan (seven replacement trees and six viburnum shrubs). The Conservation Commission asked for clarity on species and a management plan for invasive plants and continued the hearing to Feb. 10, 2025.
Tom White, speaking for homeowner A'Shea White, presented a revised restoration plan on Jan. 27 to the Town of Sudbury Conservation Commission for property at 71 Chanticleer Road (DEP file 3011430) after six trees were removed without prior approval.
Tom White said the owners intend to back away from a previously proposed patio and focus on replanting to restore the waterfront buffer. He showed a revised plan that increased the number of replacement trees from five to seven and proposed six viburnum shrubs; the plan locations and species (redbud, river birch, flowering dogwood and maple types) were discussed.
Laurie (Conservation staff) told the commission the revised planting numbers were an improvement but asked the homeowners to clarify whether the restoration area would be maintained as a naturalized strip or planted with a seed mix. She advised the commission to require a simple management component in the permit because natural regeneration without management has a high likelihood of invasive species encroachment. Tom White said he did not intend to mow the restored area and would prefer a native approach; staff suggested a native seed mix would be acceptable if homeowners wished to establish a low-growing groundcover that does not compete with the new trees.
Commissioners discussed whether the homeowners should plant larger trees (fewer specimens) or smaller specimens (more trees) to restore canopy over time; the applicant adjusted the plan to add two larger specimens and several flowering shrubs. Laurie said staff will prepare a draft order and that, if the commission is satisfied with the plantings, no additional materials would be required prior to the next meeting.
The commission voted to continue the hearing to Feb. 10, 2025, and staff said it will draft an order of conditions in advance so the homeowner can review the proposed conditions before the commission issues a final order.
Action taken: Continued to Feb. 10, 2025 to allow staff to draft an order and for the applicant to provide any requested species/specification details.
Why it matters: The property is within the regulated buffer and the commission seeks to ensure restoration prevents further loss of riparian vegetation and controls invasive species risks.
What’s next: Applicant to send the planting/species list to staff and review the draft order prepared by conservation staff before the Feb. 10 meeting.
