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Commission approves invasive-removal and native plantings at 355 Summer Street but rejects a berm
Summary
The Conservation Commission issued a negative determination for invasive removal and native plantings at 355 Summer Street after debate over a proposed 10-inch berm. The commission allowed soil amendments and up to a 4-inch layer of locally sourced, non-dyed wood chips but required plantings be installed at grade; it also requested outfall remediation.
Applicants Steven and Carolyn Kelly sought a determination of applicability to remove invasive species and install native woody plantings within the 100-foot buffer. Arborist Chris Wood presented options to improve planting success on poor fill soils, proposing either a 10-inch berm/planting bed or amended soil and wood-chip mulch. "Bringing in some enriched soil in as part of a 10-in high burm or planting bed would improve the success of the planting," Wood said.
Commissioners were divided over the appropriateness of regrading the buffer. Chair Steve Gang warned against adopting a broad precedent for regrading and called a berm "a habitat disturbing feature." Other commissioners accepted that amended soil or localized planting at grade could achieve the restoration goals. Members also expressed concern about erosion where the berm could redirect sheet flow and suggested design measures if any grade change were allowed.
After discussion the commission issued a negative determination with conditions: invasive removal authorized; plantings allowed at-grade with soil amendments (no berming or regrading beyond minor amendments); locally sourced, natural (non-dyed) wood chips allowed up to 4 inches (peeled away at stems); and the applicant will address a small outfall erosion feature with stone or plantings. The commission voted unanimously.
Next steps: applicant will proceed with invasive removal and planting under the listed conditions and submit documentation of soil amendments and wood-chip sourcing as required by staff.
