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Commission approves multiple as-of-right permits including a horse-boarding operation; Webb Circle tree removal allowed with meadow restoration
Summary
The commission approved several as-of-right applications including a drainage swale maintenance permit for Cottage Street, Aquarian Water Company's removal of ~40 leaning white pines in favor of a pollinator meadow, maintenance of a Purdy Hill swale, and designated an existing 9-acre horse farm (639 Wheeler Road) as as-of-right while the owner seeks a zoning special exception to board horses.
The commission considered and voted on multiple permitted-use-as-of-right applications during the meeting.
IPU-26-6 (197 Cottage Street): Staff recommended approval for installation of a drainage swale, removal of two dead trees and maintenance of existing lawn within an upland review area; the commission approved the application.
IPU-26-7 (Webb Circle / 480 Barnhill Road): Aquarian Water Company requested removal of approximately 40 mature white pine trees along a watercourse bank and replacement with a pollinator meadow. Staff said the trees were leaning and could destabilize the bank if they uprooted; commissioners discussed potential undercutting and whether remaining roots and stumps provide sufficient anchoring. The commission approved the as-of-right request with the condition that stumps remain and the disturbance be stabilized and planted with an approved meadow mix.
IPU-26-8 (75 Purdy Hill Road): An as-of-right permit was approved to permit maintenance of the man-made drainage swale (removal of accumulated sediment) with conditions including sediment stabilization and a seed mix for disturbed areas.
IPU-26-9 (639 Wheeler Road): Attorney Brian McCann spoke for the applicant proposing to operate a horse-boarding/training business on a 9-acre property. McCann noted zoning allows two horses per acre (up to 18 on the lot) but the owner seeks a special-exception to board horses not belonging to the owner; the commission found existing paddocks and manure storage outside the upland review area and moved to approve the IPU as submitted. "She owns 9 acres...she's allowed 18 horses," McCann said, describing the site's existing use and the manure-management arrangements to be implemented.
Votes on these as-of-right items passed by voice vote; staff will document site-specific conditions (wetland markers, silt fence, seed mixes, and manure-management measures) on the approvals.
