Uxbridge Conservation Commission approves utility‑pole RDA, continues South Main shed plan

The Uxbridge Conservation Commission approved a Request for Determination of Applicability for work at 149 Brookside Drive and continued a separate RDA for 134 South Main Street after discussing how to avoid further wetland buffer impacts.

At 149 Brookside Drive, resident John Stratton described installing an above‑ground utility pole adjacent to the street to avoid major underground digging and to limit disturbance to the wetland buffer. Commissioners examined photos, confirmed the area was already cleared and that no vegetation removal beyond the existing path was proposed, and voted to issue the Negative Determination necessary for the utility to proceed. Stratton said he would coordinate paperwork with staff.

At 134 South Main Street, applicant Robin Darcy asked to replace an existing 10×10 shed with a 12×16 model and install a small retaining wall behind it. Commissioners advised that expanding the shed toward the driveway rather than toward the wetland would reduce regulatory triggers and suggested non‑excavation alternatives such as screw piles or sonotubes to support the shed. The Commission asked the applicant for a simple sketch showing the footprint and proposed supports and voted to continue the RDA to the next meeting so staff can review the drawing and, if needed, visit the site.

Commissioners emphasized they would be open to approving an in‑kind replacement but that any expansion involving a retaining wall or substantial excavation within the 100‑foot buffer would require a Notice of Intent and engineered details.