Conservation commission issues negative determination for deck at 16 Wicker Lane, conditions erosion controls

At its June 16 meeting the Lakefield Conservation Commission voted unanimously to issue a negative determination of applicability for work at 16 Wicker Lane, allowing homeowner Peter Miller to replace a 10-by-10-foot deck with a larger 12-by-20-foot deck while requiring erosion-control measures.

Miller told the commission he plans to reuse three existing sonotube footings, add two more, cantilever the deck two feet closer to the yard fence and retain the existing stairs and concrete landing. Attorney Brian McGrael, speaking for a different applicant earlier on the agenda, had requested a continuance on another item; Miller answered commissioners’ questions about construction access and footing methods during his presentation.

The commission’s conservation agent, Ethan, advised that erosion-control measures be included as a condition. As Ethan described, “silt sock or straw bales is what we usually would ask.” Commissioners who visited the site said the nearest wetland is downhill and just under 50 feet from the proposed deck terminus, and that the limited scope of disturbance and reuse of existing footings supported a negative determination rather than a full permit.

Chair Paul moved to issue a negative determination of applicability for 16 Wicker Lane with the condition that erosion controls be installed; the motion passed by roll call vote (Barbara: yes; Drew: yes; Elellanar: yes; Jennifer: yes; Paul: yes). The commission recorded the condition to help limit sediment transport while construction proceeds.

The commission noted that the agent or builder should coordinate the specific erosion-control approach with staff before work begins. The applicant was told to expect a follow-up on the required measures; the commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for early July.