Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Invasive Species Mitigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Northampton commission approves order of conditions for Leeds house addition with multi-year knotweed mitigation and elderberry test plot
Summary
The commission approved an order of conditions for a home addition at 162 Main Street (Leeds) that requires three years of documented knotweed control across a 6,000 sq ft area, a 4–5 year elderberry 1,500 sq ft test plot with documentation, and an ongoing invasive-species removal condition.
The Northampton Conservation Commission unanimously approved an order of conditions on June 25 for a notice of intent covering an addition and accessory-structure modifications at 162 Main Street in Leeds. The permit includes standard conditions plus detailed, multi-year invasive-species mitigation and monitoring requirements.
Chris Chamberland, civil engineer with Berkshire Design Group, presented the application on behalf of property owners Christopher and Charlotte Collins and contractor TJ Shields. Chamberland said most work would occur within previously altered footprint and mapped floodplain and riverfront; he described several pieces of work already completed (a stone patio, a small shed addition and a replaced deck) and proposed mitigation including removal of a substantial stand of Japanese knotweed (roughly 4,500 to 6,000 square feet) and establishment of native plantings.
Commissioners and the applicants discussed mitigation methods, the planting plan (a New England wetland seed mix plus suggested shrubs such as silky dogwood and buttonbush), and the practical challenges of sustained knotweed control. Commissioners emphasized the need for documentation (photographs and narrative) across growing seasons, proper disposal to avoid spreading rhizomes, and clarity about planting methods and timing.
The order of conditions requires: three years of documented effort to control knotweed across the 6,000-square-foot area identified on the plan, including records of control methods and disposal and follow-up maintenance; a four- to five-year elderberry 1,500-square-foot test plot to be established and reported on by the applicants; and an ongoing condition authorizing access to resource areas for invasive-species control. The commission directed applicants to submit photographic documentation and narratives at the end of the specified monitoring periods.
The commission also addressed a previously rebuilt deck that lacked prior permit review; the deck is smaller than the original and will be treated in the NOI review and the order of conditions. The commission closed the public hearing and voted unanimously to approve the order of conditions.
The applicants and contractor agreed to the conditions and committed to the documentation schedule. Staff will monitor submissions and follow up on compliance reporting at the end of the monitoring periods.
The commission’s vote focused on ensuring that mitigation yields a net improvement to the riverfront resource area while allowing reasonable remedies for a single-family property.
