Bradford Conservation Commission Secretary’s Draft Report
April 8, 2020 at 7pm via Zoom
Present: George Beaton, Nathanial Bruss, J Ann Eldridge, Meg Fearnley, Patty Furness, Scott MacLean, Brooks McCandlish, and Doug Southard, all via Zoom.
Gateway Rentals Application: Breezy Hill Road self storage owners have submitted an application to Planning Board and Shoreland Protection to add four more storage buildings. This would impact over 32,000 sq ft, and add 70,000 sq ft of impervious surface to the property. It is 75 ft from the Warner River, and is on an aquafir. There are catchment basins around one of the buildings only. George expressed concern about potentially hazardous material being stored in proximity of the river. Scott mentioned that the increase in impervious surface and surface runoff would impact Lake Massasecum at this time of the year and stress septic systems. Meg motioned that a letter be composed encompassing these concerns to be submitted to the Planning Board and Shoreland Protection. Brooks
seconded, and all were in favor.
Jones Rd (Map3/lot 109A): There are approximately thirty empty dumpsters, three trailer bodies and one dumptruck being stored on this site. This is an area of flooding, and concern was expressed by Doug regarding leakage of residual materials in the dumpsters. Brooks made a motion to send a letter to the Planning Board to inquire if there is a site plan submitted for this property. Meg seconded, and all were in favor.
Battles Farm: Ann was notified by Andy Deegan that an offer has been made on Battles Farm. The prospective owner has expressed interest in adding greenhouses on the west side of the property. Andy stated that the easement restricts additional buildings other than agricultural structures. Doug made a motion that we respond to Ausbon Sargent and state that the BCC has no concerns about the proposed greenhouses as long as they are used for agriculture. Brooks seconded, and all were in favor.
ATVs: Doug spoke with Fish and Game Officer N. Masucci on his property who was of the opinion that all Class VI roads in Bradford are open to ATVs. This is in contradiction with previous information given by Officer Delisle to the Select Board on 6/18/18. Scott made a motion that Doug contact Fish and Game superiors to speak on behalf of the BCC to gain perspective on this matter. Meg seconded, and all were in favor.
ZBA: An application for a variance has been submitted to the ZBA for a 900 sq ft house expansion on Lake Massasecum. A Permit by Notification has been submitted to Shoreland Protection. The construction will add 900 sq ft of impervious surface to the lot. Ann noted that fill has been added to the property, raising the soil level around an oak tree and potentially killing it, and also creating a steep bank near the lake. A perimeter drain pipe is directing drainage into the lake. The installation of a rain garden or some other method to mitigate runoff was suggested. Following discussion, Doug made a motion to comment to the ZBA that a condition be made that the banks be stabilized, tree bases not be choked, and a rain garden be installed and maintained to help mitigate runoff. Meg seconded, and all were in favor. Brooks and Nathanial recused. The BCC will offer support and sources of information for rain garden construction.
Breezy Hill Road Shoreland Application: Ann will view at the Town office and report. The file is too large to send.
Warner River Protection Sign: To be erected on 114. Doug made a motion that the $200 cost be paid from the Land Protection fund, Brooks seconded, and all in favor.
Officer Election: Brooks made a motion to reelect the present officers, Nathanial seconded. All were in favor.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8pm
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Furness, Secretary