Taunton Conservation Commission approves conservation restriction, issues COCs and clears several wetlands delineations; several hearings continued to Dec. 8

The Taunton Conservation Commission on Nov. 3 approved a law department–recommended grant of a conservation restriction tied to the Gracie Lane subdivision, issued certificates of compliance for two completed projects and approved a number of wetlands-delineation and septic or sewer filings, while continuing several enforcement matters to a Dec. 8 meeting.

The commission voted to accept a form of grant of conservation restriction prepared for the Gracie Lane subdivision after the city solicitor, Matthew J. Costa, told the commission the document "is an appropriate form and recommends approval." Attorney Brennan, representing Hawthorne Development Incorporated, was present and the commission authorized signatures so the packet can go next to the Commonwealth for required approvals and recording with the registry of deeds.

Staff recommended and the commission issued certificates of compliance for 460 Tremont Street (single-family home construction with associated site work) and 64 Worcester Street (installation of a septic system), concluding those projects were completed "in significant compliance" with the order of conditions.

The commission approved several resource-area delineations and similar filings after staff site visits and field reports: an RDA for 137 Joanna Drive (septic repair) resulted in a negative determination with special conditions; an ANRAD (abbreviated notice of resource area delineation) for Winthrop Lane was approved after consultants and staff confirmed multiple bordering vegetated wetlands, isolated wetlands and an intermittent stream; a separate ANRAD for 23 Cape Road (riverfront area and FEMA Flood Zone AE) was also approved; a notice of intent to extend sewer service to 45 Davis Street (tying into an existing line near 30 I Davis Street) was approved pending receipt of a required letter from the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP); and a notice of intent for septic-system replacement at 218 Dunbar Street was approved with special conditions.

The commission continued several matters to the Dec. 8 meeting, citing missing DEP or filing numbers, absent wetland flags or the need for additional field work. Items continued include hearings and enforcement matters at 53 County Street, 315 Broadway, 30 Briggs/Bridal Street, multiple submissions for Madison Lily Drive, and an alleged dumping violation at 35 Godfrey Street.

The commission discussed an unpermitted Quonset-style structure at 265 Longmeadow Street and directed the owner or tenant to remove the structure before the Dec. 8 meeting; commissioners said staff will pursue enforcement — including possible fines — if the structure remains.

Voting notes: motions to approve and to continue were made and seconded in open session. Where the transcript records the roll call or a voice vote, the chair called for "All in favor? Aye," followed by "Opposed?" and an announcement that the motion carried.