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Buyer's clearing at Homeward Avenue prompts RDA continuation while commission verifies past wetland flags
Summary
A dispute over wetland flags and recent clearing at 48 & 52 Homeward Ave prompted the Conservation Commission to continue the request for determination while staff review prior delineation data and Orders of Conditions on adjacent parcels. The commission advised the owner to cease work until determinations are complete.
A Request for Determination of Applicability for 48 and 52 Homeward Avenue led to an extended discussion after the property buyer reported trees and understory were cleared and a question arose about whether prior wetland flags were correctly placed.
Dave Crossman (B and C Associates) described soil augering he conducted and concluded the soils on the cleared house lots appear to be upland; he recommended filing an RDA. The new owner said clearing had occurred before he knew about prior flags, and he provided a survey and plot plan showing flag locations he said were misplaced.
Commissioners reviewed older delineations and a Notice of Intent for a neighboring parcel that included wetland flags and open Orders of Conditions. Commissioners noted that without vegetation (the site had been recently cleared) soil observations become the primary determinant; they asked staff to retrieve the previous data forms and geolocated flag positions and to clarify whether existing Orders of Conditions on adjacent properties affect jurisdiction.
The commission voted to continue the item to April 22 to allow staff to gather the historical delineation forms, associated data and to verify whether an ORAD or an order of conditions applies to parts of the larger parcel; the board cautioned the owner against further disturbance until the commission completes its review.
