Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Conservation Commission of Lee met on July 15, 2026, to address several agenda items including determination of applicability, notices of violation, notices of intent, and a forestry plan review. The meeting began at an unspecified time and adjourned at 8:52 PM. Key decisions included site visits for two properties, continuation of public hearings, and a motion to ignore a minor deck violation.
1. Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) – 24 Street, Map 26, Lot 22 (Andrew Frita) Applicant Andrew Frita proposed trimming brush, removing debris, repairing a front wall, and filling a sinkhole to clean up the property. Commissioners expressed concern about the building's condition near a brook and potential contamination. A site visit was planned. Motion to continue the RDA pending the site visit and set a new deadline of August 5, 2026, passed.
2. Notice of Violation – 100 Cheeringham Road (Maravita Business Investments LLC) The commission reviewed the installation of an above-ground fuel tank and concrete pad in the riverfront area and floodplain without permits. The property owner explained they relied on the contractor (Maravita) to obtain permits, but the contractor did not. Commissioners discussed floodplain regulations and decided to conduct a site visit. They also required the owner to submit an RDA after the fact and voted to send a warning letter to Maravita. Motion to proceed with the RDA and site inspection was seconded and passed.
3. Notice of Intent (NOI) – 165 Houstonic Street (Bongira Project, represented by Brian Snyder) Brian Snyder presented revised plans addressing floodplain compensation and stormwater management. He detailed a cut-and-fill analysis showing net increase in flood storage (158 cubic yards) and improvements to the floodway by removing existing buildings. Public comment from Marilyn White questioned the claimed reduction in impervious surfaces and the accuracy of FEMA flood maps. Commissioners continued the NOI to August 5, 2026, to allow time for peer review of the new submissions. Motion carried.
4. Notice of Intent – 705 Marble Street The commission continued this item to August 5, 2026, without discussion.
5. Potential Violation – Platform on the Bank of Laurel Brook at 75 Debra Staff reported a small wooden viewing platform built on the bank of the brook. Commissioners noted it was minor and unlikely to cause harm. A motion to ignore the violation was made, seconded, and passed.
6. Forestry Plan Review – Horace W. Davis Realty Corp (Stand 1 & 2, multiple parcels) The commission reviewed a forest cutting plan covering approximately 111 acres with two stream crossings. Commissioners discussed the plan's compliance with DCR standards, the use of temporary bridges, and the selection for oak regeneration. A commissioner expressed concerns about incomplete landowner signatures and inconsistent address information. No formal vote was taken; the plan was noted as being signed off by the state forester.
And then at the bottom of the same page and colleague. Um, did we identify what he did in this document ahead of time? We just say that he's he's Berkshire Engineering, right? Yeah. Is that in the earlier part and I missed it? No, I'm through that. Okay, no. Well that in there. What do you think? One more time from being a page. No, but I just want to know bottom of page two. Uh if they just state that um Mike could like explain the temporary use area, blah blah blah blah blah. Um, I just think we need to identify him, like where is he from? Oh, because we don't say that anywhere else, but you know, yeah, 14 months or five years from now. I also would like the pages number. Well, that that's kind of a floating thing, isn't it? Because or or do they have changes? Um, I can answer just a footer. I think the rest of the notes are for me to talk. Oh, on the last part. Yeah, you you wanted to speak towards the end of the meeting, and it starts out under the other on the last page. Um request the concept confirmation. The commission remained comfortable with it. All I want to is a little blurb saying project, you know, we're talking about there because I was here and I couldn't remember. Yeah. That's because it was so late near tired. No, no dinner, but it was 9 40. It doesn't want and that's it. Thank you. Anybody else have any edits of concern?