Commission tables 160 Disbrow Avenue wetlands/enforcement dispute, asks owner to hire soil scientist

Neighbors and occupants from the 160 Disbrow Avenue area presented the commission with photographs and a packet alleging long‑standing drainage problems, fill placement (including asphalt millings) and unpermitted alterations that they say have redirected runoff onto their property and into basements. One resident summarized the effect, saying "all the water... all drain into our property," and described a filled drainage ditch and a new parking pad at 140 Disbrow Street that they say increased runoff.

Staff (Kelly) said the commission had issued a notice of violation to the owner of 160 Disbrow for asphalt millings placed "within or adjacent to a wetland resource" and that the next procedural step is a wetland delineation by a qualified soil scientist. Kelly reported that soil at the access point on the complainant's property "appeared to be transitional into a hydric soil type" but that staff did not delineate the wetland boundary on the subject property because they did not have permission to access the site.

Commissioners and residents debated whether the problem stems from a single property or multiple contributing properties and town infrastructure work that was not completed. Commissioners concluded more information was needed, moved to table the matter, and asked staff to pursue a delineation by the property owner and to investigate related nearby properties. The motion to table passed by voice vote.

What happens next: The property owner at 160 Disbrow will be required to engage a qualified soil scientist to delineate any wetland edge and to provide documentation showing whether the asphalt millings were placed within a wetland or upland review area. If work is found to have occurred within regulated areas, the owner may be required to submit a restoration plan. Staff will investigate related neighboring properties as a separate matter.