The Norwood Conservation Commission reviewed an after-the-fact demolition of an above-ground swimming pool located inside the Town’s 200-foot riverfront buffer for Meadow Brook and instructed the property owner and contractor to remove demolition debris and submit plans for proposed reconstruction.

The commission’s conservation planner, Carly, reported that the demolished pool was an above-ground structure about 40 years old and that the associated house foundation was outside the 200-foot riverfront buffer. Carly said the site visit found no observable migration of material or sediment into the resource area but noted a pile of demolition debris remained on the property and should be removed before rain events could cause runoff into Meadow Brook.

Why it matters: Structures and disturbances within riverfront areas are subject to permitting because of the risk of sedimentation and impacts to streams and wetlands; the commission used the incident to remind residents and contractors of permitting expectations.

Details and next steps
- Pool and demolition: The pool was described in the meeting as a 40-year-old above-ground pool that leaked and had been empty for months; the pool was removed although the demolition permit did not include pool removal.
- Site observations: Carly said no evidence of sediment migration to the riverfront area was observed during a site visit, but the commission asked that all debris be removed from the pocket in the back of the property and confirmed the contractor (identified in the meeting as Jared Gibberty) intends to remove remaining material.
- Distances and footprint: Commission staff showed topo contours that place the pool within the 200-foot Meadow Brook buffer and indicated the proposed new house footprint would be approximately 25 feet farther from the resource than the removed pool and is sited on the previous foundation (i.e., the house footprint is reported as outside the 200-foot line).
- Required communications: Carly asked to be notified when the debris pile is removed and requested that the applicant submit the proposed building footprint and site plan so staff can confirm the new structure will remain outside the regulated riverfront area.

Commissioners emphasized that when redevelopment occurs on lots that touch Meadow Brook, applicants should submit plans in advance so the commission can review erosion- and sediment-control measures and any design alternatives that would reduce impacts.

Quote: "Let me know when the debris pile goes," Carly said, asking the property owner and contractor to notify the conservation planner when demolition material is removed.

The commission did not take formal enforcement action during the meeting; it recorded follow-up directions to staff and the property representative to confirm debris removal and to receive the proposed site/building plans before construction proceeds.