Planning Commission presses developer over proposed oak removals at 330 Ridge Road

The Washington Grove Planning Commission on April 1 reviewed a Forest Conservation Plan update and preliminary subdivision materials for 330 Ridge Road, expressing concern about the planned removal of mature oaks.

Chair Georgette Cole and commission members noted the plan’s inventory did not list multiple trees on the property and said the applicant proposes removing a large red oak and a total of two very large oak trees to make room for a driveway. The commission said it will ask the developer to plant two replacement trees in the front yard to help preserve the rural viewscape of lower Ridge Road cited in the town’s 2022 Comprehensive Plan.

Members also reported the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the preliminary subdivision plan and recommended that the developer plant replacement oak trees. The commission recorded that the landscape credit area meets the 20% requirement, that there are no signs in the credit area, and that corner markers need to be flagged and marked. Commissioners noted the wells for the site are not yet installed and questioned why a 4-foot berm is planned between the two house locations.

No formal vote on the subdivision or permit details was recorded at the meeting. The Planning Commission indicated it will follow up with the developer to request additional planting and to resolve outstanding questions about site markers, wells, and the berm. The commission’s comments are procedural review items rather than approvals or denials.