The meeting was called to order by Matt Boudreau and the minutes of the last meeting approved. Present were Sally Underwood-Miller, Lisa Bozzuto, and via Zoom, William Resetarits.
The single topic of discussion was the impact of the construction at the Congregation of Marians on Prospect Hill Road. Responding to a report from a citizen, Underwood-Miller and Resetarits visited the site. Underwood-Miller said they were “quite alarmed” at what they observed.
There was deep concern about work proceeding without a Notice of Intent and permission from Conservation Commission.
Bozzuto said it was a “frank disregard” [for the rules.]
Underwood-Miller said, “historically, for many different projects, they [The Marians] have not adhered to the restrictions that they have been given [by ConCom].” She added it would be better for everyone if they followed the rules.
The concerns include:
“Epic failures” in the past
“Deep concern” about run-off into the bog
Native Habitat Restoration co-owner, Jess Toro is concerned about loss of rare species
The Stockbridge-Munsee band of the Mohican Nation were not consulted prior to disturbance of the earth for construction in order to search for valuable artifacts
Two other issues discussed were: A hydrological study of the bog for which they have $50,000, and possibly writing a bylaw that holds construction companies, not just the owners, responsible for following rules and restrictions.
Editor’s note: Located at the rear of the Marian property, Kampoosa Bog is an area of critical environmental concern (ACEC). It is a 1350 acre “calcareous fen,” habitat of rare species, and one of the state’s most significant and largest calcareous fens, and one of only two lake basin fens in the northeastern United States. It is therefore extremely rare in Massachusetts and the entire region. According to Natural Heritage “preserving the integrity of this calcareous fen is critical.” The Nature Conservancy has given Kampoosa Bog a global rating for its significance.
The Dover Amendment exempts religious and educational institutions from many zoning bylaws, but they are not exempt from the Conservation Commission and wetland protection bylaws.
