Applicants for 134 Chambers Road describe wetlands protections; commissioners table application to Feb. 25

Abigail Varga, the agent for 134 Chambers Road, told the Environmental Impact Commission that the property is “a 7.9 acre, zoned in RA 40” parcel bisected by a brook, with the majority of wetlands on the far side of the stream. She said proposed work includes demolition of an above-ground pool, removal of an existing terrace and shed, relocation of a septic pump and tank, and rehabilitation of a pedestrian footbridge with concrete footings. "No tree removal in the wetlands is occurring," Varga said, noting a proposed 10–15 foot buffer and boulders to demarcate sensitive areas.

Brooke Clark, of Brooke Clark Landscape Architects, described planting and demarcation plans and said the area between the demarcation line and the brook would be converted to a no-mow fine fescue zone. City staff reported the wetland line has been depicted on the plans and that the FIR map does not show a FEMA flood zone for the improvement area.

Commissioners asked for more detail on stream-bank stabilization and the bridge footings. The city sanitarian said wall height and engineering specifications will be required if a wall exceeds three feet and recommended site review to confirm erosion control measures and anchor or tether the footbridge so it will not be carried downstream in a storm.

Because the application lacked required details, the chair asked for a motion to defer. Commissioner Jeff Harold moved to table regulated activity 12-61 (134 Chambers Road) to the next regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 25; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The commission directed the applicant to submit a full application and the requested engineering details before the item returns.

The commission did not take a final vote on the project; the matter will be revisited at the Feb. 25 meeting.