At the Gloucester Conservation Commission meeting on Nov. 19, Tetra Tech representatives presented an updated landscaping plan for the City of Gloucester DPW project at 50 Essex Avenue that added native trees, shrubs and three bioretention areas. Sean Foster described a more robust planting list intended to blend with nearby plantings and resist pests.

Commissioners focused on tree-replacement ratios after one commissioner noted the project removes 37 trees and proposes 35 new trees. The commission discussed recommending a perimeter row of white cedar or additional plantings to make up the difference, and staff asked the applicant to delineate invasive species on the east side so the commission can evaluate invasive removal credit. Member Sergeant specifically asked the applicant to document invasives for extra credit toward mitigation.

The applicant agreed to have a wetland scientist look at the invasives on the east side and to provide a revised plan; the commission voted to continue NOI0283098 to the Dec. 3 meeting so staff and commissioners could review an updated planting plan and any invasive-species documentation.

What’s next: applicant will have a wetland scientist inspect the east parcel for invasive species, provide a delineation and submit a revised planting plan for the commission’s Dec. 3 meeting.