Commission issues negative determination allowing limited clearing for TRM Development parcels

The Fall River Conservation Commission voted June 1 to issue a negative determination for a TRM Development LLC request to clear vegetation on parcels bounded by Bark, Monarch and Norwood streets, allowing the limited clearing shown on the submitted plans and prohibiting additional unshown work.

Staff reported receiving a letter from wetland scientist Jim Walsh (Westport) indicating no wetlands within approximately 100 feet of the planned clearing; the commission said it would issue a negative determination of applicability subject to the condition that no work beyond the submitted plan be performed. Commissioners noted that the work is intended to allow site testing and design for a proposed small residential subdivision (roughly five to seven houses depending on utilities and geotechnical findings).

The motion to issue the negative determination passed on a roll‑call vote; the transcript records an affirmative outcome but individual commissioner tallies were not specified in the minutes provided to the commission.

Staff and commissioners emphasized that the commission's determination is conditional on other required state and federal permits where applicable and remains limited to the work described in TRM's submission. The developer was told that more extensive work would require further review and permits.

Next step: staff will record the determination and monitor that clearing remains within the limits approved by the commission; any change in scope will require return to the commission for further action.