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After‑the‑fact work at 271 State Road prompts revised planting plan, commission continues hearing
Summary
An after‑the‑fact Notice of Intent for site work at 271 State Road drew staff criticism for removed streamside vegetation and loss of planting islands; the applicant agreed to meet with staff and submit revised plans, and the commission continued the hearing to June 23.
The commission heard an after‑the‑fact notice of intent for 271 State Road (DEP file 15‑2821, NOI 26‑11) on May 26 and required the applicant to submit a revised planting and stormwater plan before the commission will close the hearing.
Kevin Davis, P.E., of ET Engineering, spoke for the applicant and said the project owner seeks to refurbish an existing car wash, adding vacuum stations, payment kiosks, site paving and buffer restoration work within the 200‑foot riverfront area and the 100‑foot buffer to an inland bank. Davis said the team prepared a revised mitigation plan that includes plantings (American holly and red cedar) and planned meetings with staff to resolve outstanding issues.
Staff described a different view: Jennifer Miller said the work had been presented to the building department as a simple vacuum replacement with no pavement disturbance but that asphalt was disturbed to install the vacuums and vegetation along the stream was cut. Staff also noted that vegetated islands were removed in places, increasing impervious cover and triggering zoning/ stormwater concerns because the site lies in an aquifer-protection zone.
Commission staff told the applicant that compensatory measures will be required: either restoration of the removed vegetated islands or additional on-site infiltration to offset the increased impervious surface. Eduardo (staff) noted there is an updated planting plan that adds three red cedar plantings on the west side; commissioners asked that applicants meet with staff and the permitting departments (building and DPW engineering) in a reviewer meeting format to refine designs before returning. The applicant agreed to meet with staff and asked for a one‑month continuance; the commission set the continued hearing date for June 23, 2026.
Procedural note: Commissioners reminded the chair and new staff that revised submittals must be in the conservation office by noon on the Thursday before the meeting if the applicant wants the hearing to be eligible to close. The commission confirmed the June 23 continuance by unanimous roll call.
