Commission approves 48‑unit townhouse project with conditions, requires signage and O&M plan

Taunton City’s Conservation Commission approved the conservation‑related aspects of a townhouse development at 165 Hart Street on Sept. 15, attaching a list of special conditions intended to protect nearby resource areas.

The proposal covers 11 buildings and 48 townhouse units, with 39 units located within the 100‑foot buffer to adjacent resource areas. Commission staff reported that wetland flags were located and confirmed during a site visit and recommended several special conditions, including refreshed flags before construction, protection of existing catch basins during construction, long‑term operation and maintenance (O&M) documentation for stormwater systems, and a requirement that environmentally friendly deicing chemicals be used.

Commissioners added conditions requiring a shown snow‑storage location on plan at least 50 feet from wetlands, on‑site signage to deter entry and disturbance of wetland areas, and that any previously approved design requirements from other boards be satisfied prior to occupancy. The commission also asked applicants to confirm whether a homeowners association will manage long‑term maintenance and to provide the association documentation to the commission if created.

The commission voted to approve the filing as presented with the attached special conditions and to continue routine compliance checks and flag refreshes during preconstruction.

Applicants and the commission emphasized that many of the buildings and driveways are partially in the 100‑foot buffer and that careful erosion and sedimentation controls, flagging and signage will be required to protect resource areas during construction and occupancy.