The Conservation Commission voted to close the public hearing for the 14 Tatima Way notice of intent on Feb. 20, but required the applicant to provide groundwater elevation data and construction schematics for the pool and shed before construction begins.

Katie Barnicle of Ilex Environmental, representing 14 Tatima Way Realty Trust, told the commission the project includes a shallow pool (about 4 feet deep), patio, shed, water closet and pergola, and that the proposed work is outside the 50‑foot buffer zone. Abutter Sarah Alger and other neighbors raised concerns about whether the plan shows the bottom‑of‑pool elevation and clarifies the two‑foot separation above groundwater. Barnicle said test pit information was provided on the plan and that the pool is shallow and the shed is in a higher location.

The commission discussed whether to close the hearing or continue the matter to require additional information. Commissioner Linda Williams urged that the groundwater and schematic information be presented in the public record. Several commissioners preferred closing subject to conditions that require submission of the missing information prior to construction. Staff clarified that a minor modification would not provide the same public comment opportunity as a full hearing, so the commission agreed the submission must come to the commission for review and the board would then determine whether a minor modification or an amendment is required.

Vote and condition: by roll call, the commission closed the hearing on a motion and the chair recorded: “That carries with 5 commissioners in the affirmative, commissioner Turcotte recused, and commissioner Williams abstaining.” The closing included a written condition that prior to the start of construction the applicant must submit groundwater elevation data and schematics for the pool and shed for commission review; if the new data show the pool cannot meet relevant performance standards the pool must be altered, removed or come back as an amendment.

Background and next steps: the applicant indicated test pit data from a 2021 septic replacement are on the plan; neighbors asked that those data and explicit elevation labels be made clearer. Staff recommended the commission either condition receipt of these items prior to construction or require them as a minor modification; the commission chose to close with the explicit submission requirement. The matter is closed pending applicant compliance with the condition.