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Landscape architect wins ARB approval for driveway reconfiguration and Norway maple removal at 88 Fargo Lane
Summary
Sean Walters told the Burlington Architectural Review Board that the project will replace a failing retaining wall, remove a hazardous Norway maple and reconfigure an asphalt driveway to improve sightlines and winter maintenance; the board approved the application as submitted.
Sean Walters, a landscape architect, told the Burlington Architectural Review Board that he was seeking approval to reconfigure the driveway at 88 Fargo Lane to improve safety and maneuverability and to replace a failing concrete retaining wall with a modular block wall. Walters said an arborist’s report from Michael Nowak concluded the Norway maple on the property is in poor condition, has been paved over through much of its root zone and is leaning toward the house, creating a line-of-sight hazard for vehicles leaving the driveway.
"We are proposing a driveway alteration to improve safety maneuverability," Walters said, noting the existing driveway will remain asphalt and that the plan includes drainage improvements and a unified retaining-wall material. He also told the board the application documents a previously unrecorded shed of about 96 square feet for which the applicant has already obtained ZBA approvals.
Walters said the proposal includes a planting plan focused on native species and specifically proposes a white oak to replace the removed Norway maple: "We have a fairly extensive planting plan…we are proposing a white oak tree," he said, adding that the white oak provides high ecological value for wildlife and stormwater absorption.
Board members asked for clarification about the retaining-wall materials and sightline concerns; Walters said the modular block wall will tie into an existing block wall, address failing sections and add drainage where needed. Chair moved to approve the application as presented; board members voiced their approval and the application passed.
The approval allows the applicants to proceed with the driveway reconfiguration, retaining-wall replacement and the removal of the Norway maple subject to any standard permitting conditions the town requires. The applicant thanked the board and said he would work with contractors to finalize details.
