Monroe commission asks owner to revise retaining‑wall plan, inventories after propane tanks placed

Tracy Shallo, the landscape architect representing the owner of 8 Fox Run, presented plans on May 13 to remove an existing above‑ground propane tank and install four above‑ground tanks adjacent to a proposed segmental block retaining wall. Shallo told the commission the wall “is approximately 9 to 10 ft at its highest point” and described mitigation plantings, tree‑protection wells and an anti‑tracking pad and silt fence for construction access.

Owner Daniel Caruso attended remotely and said Pioneer delivered the four new tanks earlier the same day but that they were not active and contained no propane; he said the provider considered the old tank a safety hazard for filling on the steep slope. Commission members noted the tanks will also require review by building, fire and health departments and asked for confirmation of those departmental clearances.

Concerns from commissioners focused on removing or reducing impacts to native vegetation, the size and placement of tree wells and the volume of fill needed for the wall. Several commissioners asked the applicant to provide a measured inventory of trees to be removed or retained (diameters and species), a cubic‑yard estimate of fill to be imported, and a sketched alternative that shifts the wall slightly to avoid or reduce tree wells. Commissioners also asked staff to coordinate a site visit before the next meeting.

The commission continued the hearing to the next regular meeting and requested the revised drawings, fill quantities and a full tree inventory. Caruso was advised that separate department approvals (fire, building, zoning) would be required before installation of tanks could proceed.