Commission open to considering javelin runway at 55 Russell Street but asks for formal filing and wetlands waiver justification

At its June 23 meeting the Littleton Conservation Commission discussed a community proposal to install a stabilized javelin runway adjacent to the baseball field at 55 Russell Street. The coach explained the runway would improve performance and safety compared with temporary grass marking, describing a 100-by-12-foot rubberized runway with aggregate subgrade and EPDM surfacing.

Commissioners focused on wetlands proximity and whether a less-impactful alternative location exists. Staff and commissioners noted the proposed area likely falls within a 50-foot resource buffer, which would require a waiver and the applicant must prove the public-interest and public-safety basis for the exception. Commissioners also raised scheduling conflicts when baseball and track activities overlap, maintenance concerns about wearing down grass, and the need to avoid expanding beyond the current mowed footprint.

Tim (staff) advised the proponent to submit a formal Notice or application showing exact wetland flagging, alternatives analysis (including the triangle area referenced as farther from the baseball field), and construction details. Several commissioners said they would entertain a waiver citing public interest if the applicant demonstrates an inability to place the facility outside regulated areas and commits to keeping the work within the existing field footprint.

The commission did not vote; it asked the proponent to provide a formal filing, wetland delineation and an alternatives analysis as required for a waiver determination.