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Otis Conservation Commission requires state filing, NOI for dock work and issues -3 determination on follow-up case
Summary
At its March 18 meeting the Otis Conservation Commission told a homeowner replacing a dock at Otis Reservoir to file a state Chapter 91 application and to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI); another applicant withdrew an NOI; the commission issued a -3 determination with standard conditions for a separate follow-up dock and boat-lift application.
The Otis Conservation Commission on March 18 reviewed several permit requests to place or replace docks in the Otis Reservoir buffer zone and set next steps for applicants.
Chair Dave Sarnacki told the owner of 22 Oak Lane, Brett Stevens, that the proposal to replace an existing dock requires a state Chapter 91 filing and a town Notice of Intent (NOI) to be submitted for consideration at next month’s meeting. The commission noted the state filing and the NOI are necessary before local approvals can proceed.
The commission recorded that a separate NOI submitted by Peter Pappas for a wooden dock at 0 Brookman Drive (Map 18C, Lot 57) was withdrawn without prejudice; the chair said the application may be resubmitted in the future.
The panel also took action on a follow-up Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) from Marc Bergeron, 81 Vine Street (Map 16C, Lot 21), seeking installation of docks and a boat lift within the reservoir buffer. Dave Sarnacki moved to issue a "-3" determination with standard conditions; Jeff Laramy seconded and the commission voted unanimously to issue the determination. The commission did not record additional special conditions beyond the standard conditions attached to a -3 determination in the meeting record.
Why it matters: Work in buffer zones and over public waters triggers state and local permits intended to protect shoreline stability and water quality. Requiring Chapter 91 and a town NOI ensures both state-level and local wetlands-review steps are captured before construction.
What’s next: The Stevens application was directed to file Chapter 91 and to present an NOI at the commission’s next meeting. The Pappas NOI may be resubmitted. Bergeron’s project will proceed subject to the standard conditions tied to the -3 determination.
