Commission grants partial certificate of compliance for 225 Nonotuck Street, leaving some items to complete

The Northampton Conservation Commission on Jan. 22 voted to issue a partial certificate of compliance for 225 Nonotuck Street, a small residential condominium property adjacent to the David Ruggles Museum, while reserving remaining items for future review.

Michael (representing Pat Foley and resident Jack Sweeney) presented an annotated 2009 site plan and photos, stating that while some elements of the original Order of Conditions remain uninstalled (notably the black locust fence and a full planting plan), existing smaller boulders and limited shrub plantings appear to be providing the intended function of preventing snow pushing into the wetland. Michael also flagged a felled 16-inch maple lying in the wetland, a brush pile and a treated utility pole within the buffer zone as items to remove.

Commission staff and members reviewed the original planting list, which called for multiple trees and many shrubs, and discussed whether some elements could be flexibly substituted where the functional outcome is met. Commissioners noted the original tolerance for placing the building close to the buffer made strong protections (a fence and a planting plan) important at permitting; given mixed compliance and the expense to the small condominium association, the commission determined a partial certificate was appropriate while outstanding items are corrected.

Resident Jack Sweeney spoke during public comment saying the unit owners want to complete the remaining tasks with minimal expense and confirmed they will remove the brush pile and utility pole and can add deed language required by the Order of Conditions.

The commission voted by roll call to approve the partial certificate, with staff to receive additional documentation and for the commission to consider a final certificate once remaining elements are satisfied.

Next steps: The applicants and residents will address the outstanding items (removing the utility pole and brush pile, confirming plantings or acceptable substitutions, and recording required deed language) and return to the commission for final certification.