Issue 22 August 2025
Lancaster Proposal for a New Neighborhood 8/11
This is an AI generated summary and outline of the presentation that DCAMM Commissioner Adam Baake opened, and the Firm of Speck Dempsey gave and then took questions afterward on the plan proposed for the DCAMM property. Russ Williston brought up that this development may add as much as 15% more housing to the town. Please watch the video for the best information on this meeting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXAm4EY_5pw&list=PL2jc5fA2LZPribYCItBRcvi4OrZ2S2_bs&index=8
The meeting presented an early draft master plan for redeveloping the DCAMM property in Lancaster into a mixed-use neighborhood addressing severe regional housing shortages. Commissioner Adam Baake from DCAMM and the design firm Spec Dempsey shared the collaborative, iterative planning process and preliminary site layout shaped by community input. The plan integrates preservation of historic buildings and mature trees with a variety of housing types including single-family homes, bungalows, row houses, and apartments, alongside limited retail, recreational facilities, and pedestrian-friendly streets. Attendees raised concerns about density, traffic, school impacts, public utilities, affordability, and town services. Planners emphasized the flexibility of the plan, the need for zoning approval, and future detailed studies (traffic, utilities, safety). The community engagement will continue through Select Board and Planning Board meetings, with hopes to balance state housing goals with local character preservation and fiscal responsibility.
Highlights
🏘️ Collaborative master planning approach integrates community feedback into redevelopment of DCAMM property.
🌳 Plan preserves historic buildings, mature trees, and open green spaces while introducing mixed housing types.
🚦 Traffic, school capacity, and public utility impacts are acknowledged concerns, with further studies planned.
🏡 Housing diversity includes apartments, row houses, bungalows, and single-family homes to serve various demographics.
💬 Community dialogue ongoing through public meetings to refine plans and zoning before developer selection.
💰 Project economics requires sufficient density to support quality public realm and historic preservation costs.
🛤️ The new neighborhood aims to be walkable, inclusive, and a community asset, not a gated enclave.
Key Insights
🏛️ Collaborative and Iterative Planning: The project emphasizes a two-way dialogue with community members, reflecting a shift from top-down development to participatory design. This approach helps align state housing goals with local values and fosters community ownership of the outcome.
🏗️ Balancing Density with Livability: The plan proposes about 386 housing units on 63 acres, representing a significant density increase for Lancaster. The density is necessary to finance public amenities, preserve historic structures, and create walkable neighborhoods, but it also raises concerns about traffic, school capacity, and community character, highlighting the classic trade-off in suburban redevelopment.
🏫 Demographic and School Enrollment Trends: UMass Donahue Institute projections indicate a declining overall and school-aged population in Lancaster over the next 30 years. This unexpected trend complicates housing and school planning as new development may offset population decline but increase demands on schools and services, requiring careful fiscal and infrastructure planning.
🚦 Infrastructure and Public Services as Critical Factors: Concerns about water, sewer capacity, traffic congestion, and emergency service access underscore infrastructure as a key constraint. The phased planning anticipates detailed engineering and traffic studies will inform mitigation strategies and shape final zoning and development agreements.
🏠 Housing Diversity and Affordability: The mix includes apartments, row houses, bungalows, and single-family homes catering to seniors, young professionals, and families. While affordable housing goals are recognized, specific quantities and restrictions remain under development, reflecting the complexity of balancing market realities, developer economics, and social equity.
📜 Historic Preservation and Site Sensitivity: The plan respects the unique heritage of the DAM site, preserving many historic buildings and integrating existing street and natural patterns. This adds value and identity but also increases development complexity and costs, demanding creative financial and regulatory solutions.
📅 Process and Community Engagement: The planning is in early stages with upcoming zoning and regulatory processes critical to the project’s success. Public involvement through select board and planning board meetings ensures transparency and responsiveness, key for community acceptance and effective implementation.
Key Slides:
Plan overlay
Matrix of housing density
Conservation Commission 8/12
This was another meeting that Commissioner David Mallette was not present. The forest clearing at 0 Hilltop Rd was discussed.
Public Hearings
Continued Notice of Intent – 2038 Lunenberg Road
Installation of stormwater management system.
Chair Tom Seidenberg reported that funds for the peer review. The payment should come to the town that week. Continued until August 26.
Continued Request for Determination of Applicability – Removal of dead trees within the Seven Bridge Road right-of-way.
Chair Tom Seidenberg reported the funding had been removed. He is waiting for an update from Scott MacDonald, the Supervisor of the Department of Public Works (DPW). This was continued until August 26.
General discussion of the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) and the oversight of open space parcels
Cara Sanford, member of the OSRP, would like the Commission to review section 5, that she is currently reworking, of the plan she distributed. This is an inventory of open space and recreation. She is interested in areas for protection of such resources as water supply, wildlife habitat, and contiguous parcels for trail connectivity, and agricultural land.
Commissioner Jim Lavallee is interested providing wildlife corridors. Chair Seidenberg suggested that the Nashua River greenway should be a focus of protection.
Commissioner Dennis Hubbard mentioned cold water fisheries and getting signage identification of some parcels.
A discussion followed of all items of interest for Sanford to potentially add to the plan. Chair Seidenberg brought up using CPA funds to make all trails accessible. Commissioner Hhubbard also wanted the farming aspects of the town be protected and promoted.
Fort Pond Dam Discussion
Clayton Arvidson brought to the meeting his concerns since the dam had not been inspected 1999 and is in poor condition with brush being dumped in its spillway. There are allegations of unauthorized blockage by individuals blocking the brook. He wants the dam inspected.
Chair Seidenberg said the Commission does not have the authority to force James Quinty to have the dam inspected. He said the Commission can issue Enforcement Order is the dam is being blocked but need a perpetrator to issue the enforcement order against. Arvidson accused Kevin Bates, 200 Fort Pond Inn Rd.
Arvidson argued that the Commission is not doing its job, and his land is being flooded, losing 5 feet of his frontage.
Chair Seidenberg said if Quinty or Bates is raising or lowering the level of the pond, then the Commission can issue an enforcement order. The Commission cannot order Quinty to have an inspection.
A contentious discussion followed. Chair Seidenberg said they can issue an enforcement order against Quinty if warranted but he would like to inspect the dam if Quinty will allow and will report back at the next meeting.
Discussion
502 Brockelman Road
Request for Certificate of Compliance and Enforcement Order
The Commission is waiting for the Certificate of compliance any day and then Chair Seidenberg will do a site visit once received.
397 Center Bridge Road
Enforcement Order
No action is planned until there is a Conservation Agent.
Review draft Wetland Protection Regulations and general discussion regarding the Wetlands Protection Bylaw
Chair Seidenberg said Town Counsel had not given yet their comments.
0 Hilltop Road
Forest Cutting Plan
A plan was received on Monday to cut the forest for the development. Chair Seidenberg is not sure the Commission has authority to say no; this site is exempt under the Wetlands Protection Act if approved by State Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) but under the bylaw the exemption is not clear. He suggested engaging Town Counsel to understand whether the Commission has any jurisdiction to protect the wetlands under the bylaw.
Commissioner Lavallee said his reading of the bylaw gives jurisdiction to protecting the wetlands. A discussion followed whether forestry is agriculture; it is in the definition. Hubbard said the clearing of house lots is jurisdictional.
Commissioner Carl Fawcett asked what would be the percentage of trees that they would be removing. Commissioner Hubard said the document cited less than 50%.
Chair Seidenberg said unless the bylaw is pertinent then there is no further action to be taken.
He said the language on the plan is disingenuous though because it states the plan passed the Conservation Commission when only the road but none of the house lots have been approved. This plan is being filed with the state.
Agent Update
Chair Seidenberg said a candidate has been selected and an offer letter is pending. The candidate can start immediately.
Minutes
The minutes are from 7/8 were not available. The minutes of 7/22 had additions as stated by Chair Seidenberg and will be approved at the meeting.
Select Board 8/18
This meeting had a presentation by the DCAMM representatives, and a suggestion was made by the DCAMM Commissioner, Adam Baake, that an MOU with the town could be more advantageous to meeting the quick deadline of having a Request for Proposal out to developers at the beginning of 2026. The Board liked this idea, as did the Town Administrator. An MOU would shortcut any democratic process of the town voting on rezoning the site for development and creating zoning revenue, such in a 40B development, for the town.
Minutes
Review and/or approve the following Select Board’s Open Session Meeting Minutes Special Meeting July 30, regular meeting August 4, and the Disclosure of Executive Session Minutes: 6/25/24 and 8/5/24.
These were approved.
Scheduled Appearances and Public Hearings
Representatives of Massachusetts Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and Speck Dempsey
Presentation and Update on Development Process and Discuss and Potentially Vote on Development Agreement Options for the Girls Industrial School, Old Common Road.
Adam Baake, DCAMM Commissioner and Chris Dempsey, Speck Dempsey, gave their presentation to the Board.
Baake explained the roughly 63-acre site, currently surplus state property, is targeted for housing development under recent state legislation (Affordable Homes Act) designed to accelerate affordable housing production by easing municipal zoning restrictions on state-owned land. The state seeks to collaborate closely with the town to create a development that respects Lancaster’s history, community character, and infrastructure capacities.
Key points from the presentation:
Surplus property initiative for housing development from the Commonwealth.
There must be at least 4 units per acre per the state initiative.
Community-based planning effort with Speck Dempsey.
There are options for development agreement or zoning changes, and one option is an agreement signed by the town that takes care of the required permitting. This won’t require a town vote.
Community Engagement
July 15th and August 11th meetings held for public feedback
Concerns raised about:
Town budget and school costs
Water and sewer capacity
Housing types and traffic impact
Preservation of historic site nature
Development Proposal
Site Details:
Focus on non-yellow shaded area within Lancaster
Excludes RFK Children's Action Corps lease area and Bolton development
Design Elements:
Preservation of historic buildings and trees
Various housing types: multifamily, townhomes, bungalows, single-family homes
Commercial space for local businesses
Next Steps:
Continue community engagement and refine the plan.
Consider municipal approval by end of the year.
Select a developer in 2026.
Baake noted that getting a path to rezoning by early September is very difficult. He suggests that a development agreement would be easier, not as urgent, and provide a more robust conversation with the town. He acknowledged that the development agreement would not have a town wide vote.
Public Comments and Questions:
Concerns about traffic, safety, and hospital capacity.
Clarification on parking and road widths.
Member Ralph Gifford asked about the Dover amendment that exempts this type development from a lot of the rezoning and questioned that the requirement is 4 units per acre. Baake said permits must be issued for not less than 4 units. He said the state actually does not need rezoning as the state can build by right these 4 units by acre. He said there can be more than 4 units.
Member David Carr asked about senior housing, affordable housing, and the MBTA housing.
He asked if there would be teeth in the agreement for the developer.
Baake said the agreement would be a contract between the town and the Commonwealth. Then there will be the Land Development contract with the developer. He said the plan that Speck Dempsey is developing would be part of these contracts.
Both Members Carr and Gifford thought the agreement option would be more expeditious. Baake said he would like to see the agreement in place by the end of the year. He also stated the state exemption would not include any conservation exemptions. The Conservation Commission would have jurisdiction over the development.
There is streaming link for both town meetings on the town’s website.
Chair Jason Allison asked for financial projections. Baake said not yet; the plan needs to be solidified, and he had heard this message clearly from the town meetings. He said other developments done by Speck Dempsey have been the most desirable places to live in their areas. He also mentioned the population projections done for the town show the decline of the population by 10% and 50% of the school children. He also noted that the housing crisis is not helping the demographics. Chair Allison said he would not agree with these findings. He asked about water and sewer. Baake said they are closer to figuring out this out. More discussion followed on the potential infrastructure and a possible Home Owner Association.
Linda Johnson, 169 Old Common Road, asked about traffic and safety. She noted the hospital in Clinton is small.
Roy Rezac, 125 Harvard Rd, asked about contaminated grounds. Baake said the area for the development is clean. He asked about the number of units and the number of beds and how to interpret the slide. Dempsey said the “beds” should be interpreted as bedrooms.
Linnea Lakin Servey, 1394 Main Street, asked about the cars since there was no public transportation in town. Dempsey said they are confident in their estimates for vehicles. Baake again noted that cars parked on the street tend to slow down the traffic.
Valorie Parent, 669 Main Street, said the presentation was very informative. She cited the benefits of living close to your neighbors.
Frank Streeter, Bull Hill Rd, asked if DCAMM had considered 40R zoning as part of this process. Baake said if the agreement is pursued, then maybe zoning as a 40R could be done in parallel by the town but said 40Y is more suitable.
John Woodsmall, Town Administrator, gave his comments and thought the agreement would be more advantageous.
David Murphy
Discuss and Potentially Vote on a Request for Legal Fee Reimbursement for Sales of Surplus Town Property at Assessor Map 10, Parcels 108 and 108D
David Murphy, 36 Vincent Ave., came to the podium to explain that the issue is legal fees incurred due to the town’s errors in deed processing for surplus town property and he would like reimbursement for additional legal costs. He expounded on the five iterations to correct the problems on the way the deeds were written up by Town Counsel and asked for $2500. His letter to the Board was included in the meeting materials.
Member Carr pointed out that the buyer was responsible for the costs of purchasing the property. Murphy pointed out that Town Counsel did not do their job. Chair Allison said the interim Town Administrator did not give proper instructions to Town Counsel. Member Gifford said the wrong lot numbers and other errors were on Town Counsel and would like the firm to “cut a check.” Member Carr did not know if that is normal process. Woodsmall said that the firm would not refund any money to Murphy but maybe issue a refund to the town, for the town to reimburse Murphy. There is no account for this type of transaction.
This is under deliberation by the Board.
Public Comment
Opportunity for the public to address their concerns, make comments, offer suggestions, or ask questions.
There were no comments.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Bay State Chapter of the Antique Truck Club of America
Applicant: Bob Greene, President
Mail Address: P.O. Box 35637, Allston, MA 02135
Event Location: The Lancaster Fairground, 318 Seven Bridge Road, Lancaster, MA 01523
Dates: 8AM-4PM - Saturday, August 23, 2025 Weekday Entertainment License (Town) 8AM-4PM
Sunday, August 24, 2025 Sunday Entertainment Licenses (Town & State)
Ty-Rods Club, Inc.
Applicant: Dan Hogan, President Mail
Address: 200 Legate Hill Road, Leominster, MA 01453
Event Location: The Lancaster Fairground, 318 Seven Bridge Road, Lancaster, MA 01523 Date: 9AM-4PM -Sunday, September 7, 2025 Sunday Entertainment Licenses (Town & State)
Date Change Request
Town Lands Use Application
Lancaster Town Green/Gazebo Event:
Renter: Maria Valente, M.A.,
Associate Pastor, College,
Seventh Day Adventist Church, 337 Main Street, South Lancaster, MA
Approved Date/Time: 5-9PM - Friday, July 25, 2025 (SB vote 7/7/25)
Newly Requested Date/Time: 5-9PM - Friday, September 12, 2025
Date Change Request
Town Lands Use Application –
Lancaster Town Green/Gazebo
Event: 4th Annual American Legion Post 96 PTSD Awareness Walk Around the Town Green
Renter: Reino “Bob” Tervo, Chaplain, American Legion Post 96, Lancaster, MA
Approved Date/Time: 2-4 PM – Saturday, September 6, 2025 (SB vote 7/21/25) Newly Requested Date/Time: 2-4 PM – Saturday, September 20, 2025
These were all approved.
Earth Removal Permit Renewal
Renewal Request from John E. Kanis Trust, John E. Kanis Trustee, for 300 Pine Hill Road, Map 31-Parcel 4
Member Gifford recommended modifying the conditions and had emailed the rewritten motion to Woodsmall. He made the motion in full with the modifications as emailed to Woodsmall.
John Farnsworth, Farnsworth Engineering, agreed and thanked Member Gifford.
This was approved.
Communications
Town Administrator Update
Woodsmall made the following comments:
Community Center has a new administrative assistant.
Fire and Police Departments assisted at Bolton Fair and handled the attempted carjacking incident.
Public Works has new Facebook presence and is doing ongoing roadwork and water testing
Recreation Department has stated the town beach is open through August 23, 2025.
Town Clerk's Office has an improved website notification system.
Executive Session
The Select Board will meet in Executive Session pursuant to M.G.L. c.30A, §21(a), for the following purpose: Purpose 2: To conduct a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (the selected Fire Chief candidate – Jon Belanger Return to Open Session: Discuss and potentially vote to approve a contract for Fire Chief services with Jon Belanger.
Finance Committee 8/19
The August 19th Finance Committee meeting primarily focused on the ongoing development and planning issues related to the DCAMM (Department of Asset Management) property transfer and development in Lancaster.
Member Roy Rezac and Chair Dick Trussell provided extensive presentations on recent meetings with the DCAMM team and the select board concerning the proposed development plans for the DCAMM property. The core of the discussion revolved around the proposed density and design of the new neighborhood, which includes a mix of residential units, commercial retail spaces, and recreational facilities. The plan proposes 386 residential units on 63 acres, significantly denser than the current town zoning standards, and above the minimum density required by new state laws. The committee expressed concerns about the impact of this increased density on traffic, community character, water and sewer infrastructure, and especially school enrollment and costs.
Member Rezac proposed a structured decision-making process involving knowledgeable residents and town officials to address the complex issues around zoning, finance, community character, traffic, and water/sewer services. It included suggestions for regular meetings, citizen input, and a dedicated DCAMM planner to assist the town administrator.
Chair Trussell presented a detailed financial analysis and housing proposal advocating for a zoning plan focused on 40R designation, which provides a balanced mix of affordable and senior housing units, aiming to achieve the town’s affordable housing goals while minimizing the financial burden on the town, especially in terms of school costs. He explained the significant cost impact of different housing types on public services and emphasized the importance of maintaining financial stability.
The meeting concluded with assigning tasks to committee members to gather school budget data from surrounding towns and scheduling the next meeting. Overall, the meeting highlighted the urgency of coordinated planning and financial analysis to manage the DCAMM property transfer effectively, ensuring the town’s interests are protected while complying with state housing mandates.
Minutes
The minutes from prior meeting were accepted.
Finance Director’s Report
Cheryl Gariepy, Finance Director, reported on the progress on getting the digital budget book by ClearGov into use. She said she has been inputting manual data entry for prior years' budgets and staffing data entry for current pay and pay grades. She promised to have 2025 reports ready for the next meeting.
DCAMM Update
Member Rezac gave an update from 8/11 DCAMM presentation.
Discussion of Financial Analyses of DCAMM
Member Rezac gave a presentation on DCAMM Presentation:
Overview of DCAMM team meetings and proposals.
Discussion on housing density and legislative requirements.
Concerns about traffic, community character, and financial impacts.
Chair Trussell made the point that the proposed density is 53% over the current density of Lancaster.
Proposal for a structured decision-making process.
Independent Financial Analysis
Member Rezac stated stressed importance of professional financial analysis for the DCAMM projects.
He recounted the rationale for state-conducted financial analysis while there is a need for collaboration between state and town officials.
He proposed the following decision-making process:
- Establish a steering committee with more than 5 members of knowledgeable residents and the Town Administrator as Chair.
- Regular meetings and citizen input processes on a biweekly schedule.
- Hire a DCAMM planner to assist the town administrator.
- Present final proposal in town-wide meetings by an end date of November 1.
A motion was made to approve this process and present it to the Select Board. This motion was approved.
Chair Trussell made a proposal on a 40R housing development. He cited goals of financial affordability and achieving 10.1% affordable housing with a breakdown of proposed housing types:
- 4 senior veteran apartments
- 44 mobility-impaired senior apartments
- 48 over-55 units
- 144 general apartments
- 36 single-family homes
Chair Trussell was opposed to any Memorandum of Understanding since it meant 2 people (any 2 of the 3 member Select Board) determine the outcome of the town’s acceptance of the DCAMM site.
School Budget Information Request
Chair Trussell assigned members to gather information from neighboring school districts on their school budgets.
Member Emily Notaro to gather information from Sterling. Member Mike Pultorak to gather information from Bolton. Member Monica Tarbell to gather information from Stow.
Board of Health 8/21
This meeting covered familiar ground and was short.
70 McGovern Blvd
Dust complaint status
This item was taken first as Elias Faraclas, the complainant, was on the Zoom call.
Chair Jeff Paster went over the current status:
Speed limit signs installed
Speed bumps installed recently
Calcium chloride chips applied three times
After discussion with the Board and Faraclas, since the heaviest travel season is coming up, as well as the soccer season, the plan is to:
Continue monitoring through September and October
Site visit planned for September 10th
Discuss findings on September 17th
Review at the next Board meeting on September 25th
Permits
97 Fitch Road
Upgrade permit
Bill Brookings, Nashoba Board of Health Representative, reviewed the plan on screen. A septic system is being upgraded, a straightforward replacement of a failed system. Brookings will issue a permit.
Discussion
10 Maple Street
Housing status
135 Prescott Street, Unit A
Housing status
Outstanding issues are believed to be corrected. Brookings will be reinspecting both properties in the next week and will report back next meeting.
Arbovirus update
No significant human cases locally.
Closed Landfill on Lunenburg Road
Chair Paster reported on the April 9th inspection findings and the independent May 29th inspection findings:
Minor issues identified, including damage to well MW2 and encroaching brush and the next step is a site visit with Scott McDonald, DPW Supervisor, on September 10th to address issues.
Minutes
The minutes of July 23 and July 31 were approved.
Planning Board 8/25
This long meeting primarily focused on the DCAMM development with the representatives and the Board discussing the implications of the all the community presented materials and outreach. The Lede urges readers to view the DCAMM meetings themselves as the nuances and details cannot be covered fully. This is a complex situation with the Commonwealth, by statute, which is allowed to develop this historic site by right and such a development will change Lancaster’s town character. The density of the development may be as intense as a small city. Baake has used the term urban to describe this development. This would be a huge change for the rural nature of Lancaster.
Minutes
Approve minutes of July 28
These were approved.
Public Hearing(s)
241 Chace Hill Road
A public hearing to request a special permit to install a ground mounted solar energy system on a residentially zoned property. This public hearing was opened on July 14, 2025 and is being continued from July 28, 2025: The Town of Lancaster Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing via Zoom only on Monday, July 14th, 2025, at 7:00 PM to hear and act upon the following: A petition by Anthony Koga (Agent) and Stephen and Julie Mudgett (241 Chace Hill Road-Applicant and Owner), in Lancaster for a Special Permit pursuant to Section 220-76 in order to install a ground-mounted solar array in the Residential District. The site is located in the Residential Zoning District and is identified on Assessor’s Map 147, Parcel 044-0002. A copy of the petition and accompanying documents are on file at the Community Development and Planning Office, Lancaster Town Hall, 695 Main Street, Lancaster, MA., 978-365-3326.
This was continued until September 8.
Presentation: Lancaster Industrial School for Girls Redevelopment Project (DCAMM Property)
The State is redeveloping the 63-acre site on Old Common Road and Still River Road. Members of the Project Team including DCAMM Commissioner Adam Baacke and Chris Dempsey of the Urban Design group Speck Dempsey will be present to provide the Planning Board of an overview of the planning Process to date and to discuss a proposed Regulatory Plan that would govern the redevelopment process.
Representatives from the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), Adam Baake, and planning consultants from Specter Jeff, Chris Dempsey, local planning board members, and community stakeholders. The dialogue explores the nuances of the Affordable Homes Act, specifically Section 105, which allows state land to be developed for housing at densities potentially higher than local zoning typically allows, effectively overriding some traditional zoning controls to facilitate housing production.
The project aims to create a mixed-use, walkable neighborhood preserving historic buildings and green spaces, blending multi-family buildings, townhomes, detached bungalows, and single-family homes with a total unit count around 386, though density minimums in the statute suggest a floor of approximately 252 units. The discussion highlights the importance of design quality, community character, preservation of historic elements, and infrastructure challenges, particularly regarding water and sewer capacity.
Baake went on to explain the various regulatory pathways including the possibility of the town entering into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or contract with the state to streamline permitting and entitlement processes without immediate zoning changes, allowing for an as-of-right development under the statute.
Chair Frank Streeter questioned the “by right” 4 units per acres, raising concerns about the interpretation of density requirements (e.g., “no fewer than four units per acre”), infrastructure costs and responsibilities, historic preservation enforcement, parking, snow removal, commercial space inclusion, and the timing and nature of regulatory approvals. The full discussion addressed how the project will be monitored, with local building inspectors overseeing construction but the state maintaining contractual authority to enforce compliance.
Conservation Commission 8/26
This meeting announced the starting employment of the new Conservation Agent, Sam Belanger. Commissioner David Mallette was not present for this meeting.
Public Hearings
Request for Determination of Applicability
53 Fort Pond Lane
Removal of tree
Scott Wieder, 53 Fort Pond Ln, a new resident to Lancaster, joined the meeting to explain that a dead tree is on the waterfront, shown in a picture, and he would like to remove the dead trunk. The hearing was closed, and the Commission made a negative determination, so Wieder is free to take down the tree.
Continued Notice of Intent
2038 Lunenberg Road
Installation of stormwater management system.
A request to continue was received. The peer review will occur shortly, and the motion was made to continue and was approved.
Continued Request for Determination of Applicability
Removal of dead trees within the Seven Bridge Road right-of-way
The Commission is awaiting coordinates from the DPW. The motion was made and approved to continue this until the next meeting.
Discussion
Fort Pond Dam
Enforcement Order
Chair Tom Siedenburg made a site visit. The dam did not appear to be blocked but the flashboards along the sides are not visible. Commissioner Jim Lavallee commented that the flashboards may have been buried under the debris. James Quinty, owner of the dam, said the flashboards did not appear to be there. He went through some history of the maintenance of the dam. He said it looked like someone removed the rebar and flashboards. He said the water is lower by 4 inches than the height recommended in 2019. Commissioner Lavallee asked what maintenance is done on the dam. A ruling from 2019 was referred to as the optimum level for the dam, which is now 4 inches lower.
Commissioner Dennis Hubbard would like to go through the history of that ruling.
The Commission agreed to not issue an enforcement order until more information is known.
397 Center Bridge Road
Enforcement Order
Waiting on the new Conversation Agent to begin employment.
General discussion of the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) and the oversight of open space parcels
Commissioner Dennis Hubbard lead the discussion. Commissioner Lavallee is still working on the inventory list. He has no further update.
Review draft Wetland Protection Regulations and general discussion regarding the Wetlands Protection Bylaw
The comments from Town Counsel were received that day. Chair Seidenberg is reviewing those comments before distributing them to the Commission. Once reviewed the Commission can discuss this draft at the next meeting.
Wetlands violations on town-owned property on Kelly Drive
There are two town owned lots that a neighbor has been adding fill, including in the wetlands, along with tree and bush cutting. There are allegations that many neighbors have been dumping. Chair Seidenberg is waiting to hear back from Town Administrator on next steps.
The Town Administrator is asking the DPW to install “No Dumping” signs. Commissioner Hubbard asked about trail cams. Commissioner Lavallee would like to ascertain the quality of the lots.
Agent Update
Sam Belanger is starting the following week as Conservation Agent. He formerly worked for the federal government.
Minutes
The minutes from 7/8 and 7/22 were approved.