Essex Conservation Commission

MINUTES

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Essex Conservation Commission was conducted on Thursday, May 10, 2007. Those members in attendance: Kay Tucker, Doug Demarest, Mary Ann Pleva, Rich Helmecki and Robert Graulich.

Ms. Tucker opened the meeting at 7:07 p.m.

Ms. Tucker distributed to the members overview of the Landmark Interests, LLC two-lot subdivision proposal. Ms. Tucker stated that Lot one consists of eleven acres on which one unit containing 50 condominium units for 55 and older residents will be constructed. However, only one occupant of any one unit must be over the age off 55. Units will house a two-car garage and the elevation of the slope is 115 feet and the buildings will be an additional 50 feet higher. The traffic study (for access off of Bokum Road) has not yet been completed.

Lot two consists of ten acres on which 45 condominium units for 55 and older residents. A parcel of open space to abut the passive recreation site will be donated to the Town of Essex. The applicant proposes a zone change from Rural Residential to Residential Life Care.

Selectman Miller had written a memo commenting on the land-locked property owned by Macwhinney/Roland and requested that this property be considered for purchase and then donated to the Town in lieu of open space.

On February 3, 2007 the Planning Commission conducted a site walk with Landmark Interests, LLC to look at the those two lots now owned by Mr. Clark that accesses off of Bokum Road. Claire Cunningham and Mark Bombaci were in attendance for that site walk. Proposed open space for both lots would be in the form of an easement on Lot 2 abutting Town owned property and Viney Brook Park which will remain privately owned by an irrevocable trust. Ms. Tucker stated that the Conservation Commission was not notified of this February site walk and was not notified of the subdivision proposal.

Ms. Tucker indicated that a site inspection was conducted by the Planning Commission on April 28, 2007. The Conservation Commission members in attendance for that site walk were Kay Tucker, MaryAnn Pleva and Doug Demarest. Also in attendance was Herb Clark who still owns the property, Terry Lomme who represents Landmark Interests, LLC and Marian Staye, Essex ZEO. The purpose of the site walk was to look at the abutting eleven acres of property which is known as Macwhinney/Roland property.

Ms. Tucker indicated that the Planning Commission is now considering taking the triangular, land-locked piece of property specifically abutting the active area in lieu of open space for this
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Conservation Commission
May 10, 2007

subdivision. The subdivision will consist of the entire 59 or acres. Eleven (Lot 1) and ten (Lot 2) acres are to be the 55 and over condominiums and the 36.48 acres which directly abuts Viney Hill Brook Preserve will remain zoned Rural Residential, possibly to be subdivided and built on.

Ms. Tucker suggested that the Commission members put together a list of questions to present at this evening's Planning Commission meeting reflecting those concerns surrounding this proposal. Mr. Graulich suggested that one of the questions to present to the Planning Commission this evening; Is it true that the owner of the land-locked piece of property has the right to cause Viney Hill Park to open up an access road to that land-locked piece of property. Mr. Graulich stated that the Commission should also address at the Planning Commission meeting the question as to why the Town has elected to allow Herb Clark to do the split rather than make an offer for the Town to purchase the property. Mr. Graulich stated another question would be why is the property to be given to the Town in the form of an easement versus an open space allocation. Easements are too easily violated. Mr. Graulich stated that it should be made known that it is the position of the Conservation Commission that they would like to see a donation of open-space on the passive side of the recreation area and to further urge the Planning Commission to consider adding a piece on the passive side. Mr. Graulich stated that he would like to see a donation of acreage that provides a buffer from this proposed development to the Viney Hill Brook Park.

Ms. Tucker suspended the Conservation Commission meeting at 7:35 p.m. so that the members could be attend the coinciding Planning Commission meeting.

Ms. Tucker reconvened the Conservation Commission meeting at 10:15 p.m.

Ms. Tucker stated that the Conservation Commission will meet with the Planning Commission on May 31, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. to review the alternative open space. The members will meet at the parking lot.

Ms. Tucker asked for approval for a payment to reimburse Rich Helmecki for hardware.

Motion made by Doug Demarest that due to the late hour to table the remainder of the May 10, 2007 agenda to the June 14, 2007 and to adjourn the May 10, 2007 regularly scheduled Conservation Commission meeting.

Motion seconded by Goody LeLash and passed unanimously.

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Conservation Commission
May 10, 2007

Ms. Tucker reminded the members that at the June meeting all of the expenses on behalf of this Commission must be encumbered; any needed lumber must be purchased with bills/invoices ready to be submitted and any proposals for additional work must be submitted at that meeting as well.

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Conservation Commission adjourned at 10:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Stella C. Beaudoin
Recording Clerk

RECORD OF THE VOTE

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Essex Conservation Commission was conducted on Thursday, May 10, 2007. Those members in attendance: Kay Tucker, Doug Demarest, Mary Ann Pleva, Rich Helmecki and Robert Graulich.

Motion made by Doug Demarest that due to the late hour to table the remainder of the May 10, 2007 agenda to the June 14, 2007 and to adjourn the May 10, 2007 regularly scheduled Conservation Commission meeting.

Motion seconded by Goody LeLash and passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Stella C. Beaudoin
Recording Clerk

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