Conservation Commission Approves Wetland Line Adjustment for Rye Hill Street Development
Meeting: Whitman Conservation Commission
Date: July 15, 2025
Summary:
At its July 15 meeting, the Whitman Conservation Commission approved a modified wetland resource delineation for a proposed development at Rye Hill Street, allowing the applicant to proceed with planning within updated buffer zones. The commission also reviewed invoices, payroll, and re-elected officers for the new term. Additional discussions included site inspections, trail maintenance, and coordination with local Eagle Scouts and the DPW on open space improvements.
Detailed Overview:
The meeting began with routine approvals of invoices for Harding Pond and Hobart Pond, payroll for recent periods, and MACC dues for 2025–2026. Minutes from the June 17 and July 1 meetings were reviewed and approved. The commission then conducted its annual reorganization, re-electing Sandy Cortez as Chair and Brian as Vice Chair.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on a public hearing for 25 Rye Hill Street, where the applicant requested approval of an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD). Consultant Ed Jacobs presented adjusted wetland flagging based on a recent site walk with commission members. The revised delineation moved the wetland line closer to the property boundary, resulting in a new 100-foot buffer zone. The commission approved the delineation, which will remain valid for three years and guide future development proposals.
Public comment was provided by a neighboring resident concerned about drainage impacts on his property. The commission clarified that the current hearing was limited to wetland delineation and that any future development would require additional review and public notification. Members emphasized that Whitman’s high water table often results in wet conditions that do not meet the technical definition of wetlands.
The commission also reopened a hearing for a project at 447 Harvard Street, where the applicant presented updates to site plans, including relocation of dumpsters, reduction of unit density near wetlands, and clarification of stormwater management features. Members discussed potential curbing to manage runoff and requested updates to terminology on site plans to avoid confusion about ponding areas. Conditions were proposed to limit fertilizer and salt use within 100 feet of wetlands and to review the SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan) prior to construction.
Additional topics included trail maintenance at Hobart Pond, coordination with Eagle Scouts on trail projects, and potential outreach to T&K regarding trail expansion. The commission discussed brush clearing at Harding Pond to improve shoreline access and noted pending environmental test results for the Regal lot. The next meeting was scheduled for August 5, with the possibility of cancellation if no new business arises.
Meeting Minutes:
Key Decisions & Votes:
Motion: Approve invoices for Harding Pond ($1,424.60) and Hobart Pond ($1,972).
Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Notes: Routine approvals.Motion: Approve payroll for periods ending July 5 and July 12, 2025.
Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Notes: Standard payroll processing.Motion: Approve MACC dues payment of $260 for 2025–2026.
Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Notes: Adjusted from prior year due to reduced participation.Motion: Approve minutes from June 17 and July 1, 2025.
Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Notes: No major edits noted.Motion: Re-elect Sandy Cortez as Chair and Brian as Vice Chair.
Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Notes: Annual reorganization.Motion: Approve modified wetland delineation for 25 Rye Hill Street.
Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Notes: Adjusted flagging based on site walk; delineation valid for three years.Motion: Close hearing for 25 Rye Hill Street and approve form submission.
Outcome: Passed unanimously.
Notes: No order of conditions required for delineation.
Major Topics Discussed:
Topic: 447 Harvard Street Site Plan Updates
Discussion: Applicant reduced unit density near wetlands, relocated dumpsters, and clarified stormwater features. Commission discussed curbing, ponding terminology, and SWPPP review.Topic: Trail Maintenance at Hobart Pond
Discussion: DPW began work; commission noted trip hazards and lack of accessibility. Eagle Scouts may assist with completion. Permission sought to contact T&K for trail extension.Topic: Harding Pond Brush Clearing
Discussion: Proposal to clear shoreline brush to improve access. Commission emphasized preserving existing structures and natural features.Topic: Regal Lot Environmental Testing
Discussion: Awaiting results from Select Board-initiated testing. Estimated timeline of 4–6 weeks.
Public Comment: A resident of Litchfield Lane expressed concern about drainage impacts from future development at Rye Hill Street. The commission clarified that the current hearing was limited to wetland delineation and that future proposals would require additional review and public input. Members explained the distinction between wet areas and regulated wetlands under state guidelines.
Action Items & Next Steps:
Submit signed wetland delineation form for 25 Rye Hill Street.
Review and approve SWPPP for 447 Harvard Street prior to construction.
Coordinate with Eagle Scouts on Hobart Pond trail completion.
Contact T&K for permission to extend trail onto adjacent property.
Monitor Harding Pond shoreline for brush clearing opportunities.
Follow up on Regal lot environmental test results.
Next meeting scheduled for August 5, 2025; may be canceled if no new agenda items arise.
*editor’s note: automated article experiment