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Otis Conservation Commission grants routine shoreline permits, continues one sea‑wall NOI
Summary
At its Sept. 2 meeting, the Otis Conservation Commission unanimously approved multiple Resource Area Determinations and Notices of Intent for shoreline repairs, tree removals and dock work, granted a Certificate of Compliance, accepted an emergency tree report, and continued one sea‑wall NOI for additional plans.
Otis — The Otis Conservation Commission on Sept. 2, 2025, unanimously approved a series of Resource Area Determinations (RDAs) and Notices of Intent (NOIs) covering shoreline repairs, tree removals and dock work around Otis Reservoir and nearby ponds. The meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. at Otis Town Hall and by Zoom.
Dave Sarnacki, a member of the Conservation Commission, led the discussion and made motions on multiple agenda items. The Commission issued negative 3 (-3) determinations with standard conditions for several RDAs, including: repair of an existing boathouse at 22 Chestnut Lane (submitted by Chaffee Construction on behalf of Katie and Michael Grossman); removal of three dead trees at the same address; removal of small saplings, two small‑caliper trees and stump grinding at 142/144 East Shore Road; removal of seven declining trees at 64 Phelps Road; removal of a hazardous tree at 314 Kibbe Road to improve dock access; and reconstruction of an existing sea wall on Drive G. Each motion passed unanimously following a second by either Bruce Wall or Candy Chaffee.
One applicant, the owner of 5S Gate Island Road, presented a more detailed plan for a proposed 12×16 stone patio and the removal of four trees and requested that a shed be sited closer to the water to avoid blocking a neighbor's view. The Commission agreed the shed could be located closer than initially proposed only if the applicant secures approval from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR); the motion to issue a -3 determination included a condition making the 35‑foot placement contingent on those approvals.
The Commission granted an NOI to replace an existing dock at 327 Brookman Drive contingent on submission of a planting plan. The sea‑wall NOI for Drive G was continued at the applicant's request because the Commission required a more detailed plan; the applicant was given a two‑month continuance to file the additional materials.
Other routine business included the granting of a Certificate of Compliance for Robert A. Milanese (Route 8 / North Main Road) after counsel Emily Zelenovic presented the request, and entry of an emergency order submitted by Carroll Raymond reporting a dead tree hanging over a guardrail at 1954 East Otis Road. The East Shore Reservoir Back Lot Owners Association informed the Commission that a wetlands specialist will submit an NOI next month concerning ongoing tree removal and brush cutting within the buffer zone.
The Commission handled the agenda without dissent and adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
