Chair read the requisite paraphrase of Mass Gen Law 30A Section 20 f-g
1. A discussion ensued about whether a Conservation Restriction (CR) on a portion of Berkshire Botanical Garden (BBG) property can be modified to increase parking. Town Counsel ruled it cannot be modified and the restriction “stands as written.”
A representative from Berkshire Native Habitat (apparently, but not introduced) and PB Chair Kate Fletcher seemed to favor less mowing in general. She said, “allow meadows to go” as too much mowing kills native plants. (SU welcomes correction on this point — it was unclear).
Catherine Chester, VP, Stockbridge Land Trust (SLT) spoke as SLT holds CR. BBG needs a larger parking lot as they have had to turn away people who wanted to attend events for lack of parking. She suggested the TC opinion did not quite answer the question — the SLT and BBG were not seeking to alter CR but to have a temporary informal agreement to not to “strictly enforce it.”
2. Loveless property on Route 102 — Laurel Hill Association is requesting a CR on the land and submitted the draft to ConCom who asked:
Would there be a prohibition on camping?
Would the CR permit archaeological digs?
Would mowing be allowed?
The first was evidently part of the state law governing CR by state. The second would be determined by the Mass Historical Commission and perhaps the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe. Finally, it was stated it would be mowed infrequently.
3. 40 Prospect Hill Road — near Interlaken Cross Road. There are wetlands and an intermittent stream within 50 and 100 feet respectively. There was a building permit granted previously, but it expired. There is a new owner seeking a new permit.
There is ledge and some blasting may be required to build. They will use extant driveway. Con Com requested a written Notice of Intent (NOI)
4. 28 trees are due to Stockbridge by Mass Electric because of cutting down trees to install a power line. Parks and Rec determined they should be planted on the perimeter of the green next door to Town Offices Building. There may be a number left over and for those Town may be reimbursed or may identify another area where they could be planted.
5. 2 Wallace Road permit to control phragmites
6. 1 Housatonic Road permit to build
7. Address? There is a “hazardous tree” — likely to fall onto adjoining property. Lisa Bozzuto (ConCom member and Tree Warden) will speak to the owners of the tree and explain they must remove it.
8. Consultant David Cameron reported on storm water runoff in two locations – Eden Hill and Dugway Road. In both cases too much runoff from impervious surfaces.
On Eden Hill the water is even crossing Prospect Hill Road — very large building with very large roof — must be addressed
On Dugway it is off the driveway and must be addressed.
Both are in opposition to requirements in Storm Water Bylaw.
