Lee Conservation Commission Meeting - August 5, 2026

The Lee Conservation Commission met on August 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The meeting was recorded. Members approved minutes from July 15, 2026, with minor edits, and addressed several Requests for Determination of Applicability (RDA) and Notices of Intent (NOI).

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of July 15, 2026: Approved with edits to note that Marilyn Wyatt participated via Zoom and to add detail about a small platform discussed at the previous meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• 1375 Cape Street – Tim Williams – Dry Storage Building: Tim Williams requested permission to build a dry storage building over existing concrete blocks on a site within the 100-foot riverfront area of a brook. The site is approximately 85 feet from the brook. Williams noted previous restoration plantings (red twig dogwood, willow shrubs) were successful and the area is dry. A site visit was arranged for interested commissioners. The commission voted to proceed with an RDA (Negative 3) and a site visit.
• 24 Street (Address unclear) – Brush Clearing and Sinkhole Fill: The property owner (on Zoom) proposed clearing overgrown brush and debris (including mattresses and TVs) within 10 feet of a building to deter illegal dumping, and filling a sinkhole near a stream with 5-6 inch stone. The site is a former brownfield. The commission expressed concerns about proximity to the brook and requested a 10-foot work limit from the building toward the stream, silt fencing, and preservation of a native tree. A motion to accept the RDA Negative 3 with those conditions passed unanimously.
• 100 Tearingham Road – Business Investments LLC – Above Ground Fuel Tank: An RDA for installation of an above-ground fuel tank and 10'x4' concrete pad within the riverfront area and 100-year floodplain was presented. The installation was already completed. Commissioners questioned floodplain impacts and compensatory storage, but noted the area is flat and the tank is professionally installed. The RDA was approved as presented.
• 165 Housatonic Street – Garden Management Inc. – Marriott Hotel (NOI): The applicant presented revised plans for a four-story, 74-room hotel. Key changes included a compensatory storage plan and planting plan. The commission requested additional stormwater review by David Cameron. Concerns were raised about the 10- and 25-year floodplain elevations and potential impacts of lowering grade for compensatory storage. The item was continued to the August 19, 2026 meeting pending the stormwater review. The commission also voted to invoke M.G.L. Chapter 44 Section 53G to allocate $900 for peer review services.
• 705 Marble Street – NOI: This item was continued to the August 19, 2026 meeting for final submission of planting plans.

Updates

• Athletic Fields (Colby Project): The commission received an update on construction of athletic fields near the Housatonic River. Silt fencing and waddles are in place. The project is on schedule, with post installation and concrete pouring planned for August 8-9, 2026. A commissioner noted that a stake was broken but repaired.
• Technical Assistance Grant: A commissioner noted a Massachusetts DEP Technical Assistance Grant opportunity (up to $20,000 per community, deadline August 28, 2026) for public involvement in contaminated site cleanup. The information will be shared.

Key Outcomes

• Votes (all unanimous):
  • Approved minutes of July 15, 2026.
  • Approved RDA for 1375 Cape Street (Tim Williams) with site visit.
  • Approved RDA Negative 3 for brush clearing and sinkhole fill at 24 Street with conditions (10-foot work limit, silt fencing, preserve native tree).
  • Approved RDA for 100 Tearingham Road as presented.
  • Invoked M.G.L. Ch. 44 §53G to fund $900 peer review for 165 Housatonic Street.
  • Continued NOI for 165 Housatonic Street to August 19, 2026.
  • Continued NOI for 705 Marble Street to August 19, 2026.
• Next Meeting: August 19, 2026.