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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
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Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands DEP File Number:
WPA Form 5 - Order of Conditions 242-1357
Massachusettsuu Wetlancls Pr tecftion Acct M.G.L. c. 131, §40 r No�'i�n J.�„da✓e r A
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A. General Information
From: North Andover
1. Conservation Commission
2. This issuance is for (check one):
3. To: Applicant:
a. First Name
21 Main Street
d. Mailing Address
North Andover
e. city/Town
® Order of Conditions ❑ Amended Order of Conditions
b. Last Name
4. Property Owner (if different from applicant):
a. First Name
40 Court Street
d. Mailing Address
North Andover
e. Uty/Town
5. Project Location:
O North Main Street
b. Last Name
Downer Borthers Lanscaping
c. Company
MA.
f. State
Landers Nominee Trust
c. Company
MA.
f. State
North Andover
01845
g. Zip Code
01845
g. Zip Code
a. Street Address b. City/Town
Map 28 Parcel 22
c. Assessors Map/Plat Number d. Parcel/Lot Number
Latitude and Longitude, if known (note:
electronic filers will click for GIS locator): e. Latitude f. Longitude
6. Property recorded at the Registry of Deeds for (attach additional information if more than one parcel):
Essex North
a. County b. Certificate (if registered land)
7618 51
c. Book 4ublHe
5/12/06 �d
7. Dates: a. Date Notice of Intent Filed b. Dat ring Closed c. Date of ssuance
8. Final Approved Plans and Other Documents (attach additional plan or document references as
needed):
Site Plan
a. Pian i me
New England EngJneering Services, Inc
b. Prepargd By
9/.2I ;6
d. Final Revision Date
T. Haaitional Plan or Document Title
g. Total WPA Fee Paid: $ 1575.00
a. Total Fee Paid
Benjamin C. Osgood, P. E.
c. Signed and Stamped by
1"=40'
e. Scale
g. Date
$ 775.00 $ 800.00
b. State Fee Paid c. City/Town Fee Paid
wpaform5.doc • rev. 3/1/05
Page 1 of 9
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 5 - Order of Conditions
Massachusetts Wetlan s Protection Act M.G.L. c. 1.31, §40 f
aw
N04, A,dovWAAS ?r-4rr_4;0n SVIAV Cl,. er 173
B. Findings
1. Findings pursuant to the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act:
DEP File Number:
242-1357
of Ne f t *Jo ve.-
Following the review of the above -referenced Notice of Intent and based on the information provided
in this application and presented at the public hearing, this Commission finds that the areas in which
work is proposed is significant to the following interests of the Wetlands Protection Act. Check all that
apply:
a. ® Public Water Supply b. ❑ Land Containing Shellfish c. ® Prevention of Pollution
d. ® Private Water Supply e. ❑ Fisheries f. ® Protection of Wildlife
Habitat
g. ® Groundwater Supply h. ® Storm Damage Prevention i. ® Flood Control
2. This Commission hereby finds the project, as proposed, is: (check one of the following boxes)
Approved subject to:
j the following conditions which are necessary in accordance with the performance standards set forth
in the wetlands regulations. This Commission orders that all work shall be performed in accordance
with the Notice of Intent referenced above, the following General Conditions, and any other special
conditions attached to this Order. To the extent that the following conditions modify or differ from the
plans, specifications, or other proposals submitted with the Notice of Intent, these conditions shall
control.
Denied because:
❑ the proposed work cannot be conditioned to meet the performance standards set forth in the wetland
regulations. Therefore, work on this project may not go forward unless and until a new Notice of Intent is
submitted which provides measures which are adequate to protect these interests, and a final Order of
Conditions is issued. A description of the performance standards which the proposed work cannot
meet is attached to this Order.
the information submitted by the applicant is not sufficient to describe the site, the work, or the effect
of he work on the interests identified in the Wetlands Protection Act. Therefore, work on this project may
not go forward unless and until a revised Notice of Intent is submitted which provides sufficient information
and includes measures which are adequate to protect the Act's interests, and a final Order of Conditions
is issued. A description of the specific information which is lacking and why it is necessary is
attached to this Order as per 310 CMR 10.05(6)(c).
Inland Resource Area Impacts: Check all that apply below. (For Approvals Only)
❑ Buffer Zone Impacts: Shortest distance between limit of project disturbance and
wetland boundary (if available) linear feet
Resource Area Proposed Permitted Proposed Permitted
Alteration Alteration Replacement Replacement
3. ❑ Bank a. linear feet b. linear feet c. linear feet d. linear feet
4. ❑ Bordering vegetated
Wetland a. square feet b. square feet c. square feet d. square feet
5. ❑ Land under a. square feet b. square feet c. square feet d. square feet
Waterbodies and
Waterways
e. cu.yd dredged f. cu.yd dredged
wpaform5.doc • rev. 3/1/05
Page 2 of 9
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands DEP File Number:
WPA Form 5 — Order of Conditions 242-1357
20. ❑ Land Subject to
Coastal Storm Flowage a. square feet b. square feet
wpaform5.doc • rev. 3/1/05 Page 3 of 9
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 s
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B. Findings (cont.)
Resource Area
Proposed
Permitted Proposed
Permitted
Alteration
Alteration Replacement
Replacement
5. ❑ Bordering Land
Subject to Flooding
a. square feet
b. square feet c. square feet
d. square feet
Cubic Feet Flood
Storage
e. cubic feet
f. cubic feet g. cubic feet
h. cubic feet
7. ❑ Isolated Land Subject
to Flooding
a. square feet
b. square feet
Cubic Feet Flood
Storage
c. cubic feet
d. cubic feet e. cubic feet
f. cubic feet
8. ❑ Riverfront area
a. total sq. feet
b. total sq. feet
Sq ft within 100 ft
c. square feet
d. square feet e. square feet
f. square feet
Sq ft between 100-200 ft
e. square feet
f. square feet e. square feet
f. square feet
Coastal Resource Area Impacts:
Check all that apply below. (For Approvals Only)
9. ❑ Designated Port
Areas
Indicate size under Land Under the Ocean, below
1o. ❑ Land Under the
Ocean
a. square feet
b. square feet
c. cu.yd dredged
d. cu.yd dredged
11. ❑ Barrier Beaches
Indicate size under Coastal Beaches and/or Coastal
Dunes below
12. ❑ Coastal Beaches
a. square feet
b. square feet c. c/y nourishmt.
d. c/y nourishmt.
13. ❑ Coastal Dunes
a. square feet
b. square feet c. Uy nourishmt.
d. c/y nourishmt
14. ❑ Coastal Banks
a. linear feet
b. linear feet
15. ❑ Rocky Intertidal
Shores
a. square feet
b. square feet
16. ❑ Salt Marshes
a. square feet
b. square feet c. square feet
d. square feet
17. ❑ Land Under Salt
Ponds
a. square feet
b. square feet
c. cu.yd dredged
d. cu.yd dredged
18. ❑ Land Containing
Shellfish
a. square feet
b. square feet c. square feet
d. square feet
19. ❑ Fish Runs
Indicate size under Coastal Banks, inland Bank, Land Under the
Ocean, and/or inland Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways,
above
20. ❑ Land Subject to
Coastal Storm Flowage a. square feet b. square feet
wpaform5.doc • rev. 3/1/05 Page 3 of 9
L11
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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 5 - Order of Conditions
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection
W&+"rTiV4eCk"TY1W CA
C. General Condition Under
(only applicable to approved projects)
DEP File Number:
242-1357
M.G.L. c. 131, §40 v NvA Aml ve-r
r n9 oo1` pf- N a iA 4.jjo,,r
assachusetts Wetlands Protection Act
1. Failure to comply with all conditions stated herein, and with all related statutes and other regulatory
measures, shall be deemed cause to revoke or modify this Order.
2. The Order does not grant any property rights or any exclusive privileges; it does not authorize any
injury to private property or invasion of private rights.
3. This Order does not relieve the permittee or any other person of the necessity of complying with all
other applicable federal, state, or local statutes, ordinances, bylaws, or regulations.
4. The work authorized hereunder shall be completed within three years from the date of this Order
unless either of the following apply:
a. the work is a maintenance dredging project as provided for in the Act; or
b. the time for completion has been extended to a specified date more than three years, but less
than five years, from the date of issuance. If this Order is intended to be valid for more than three
years, the extension date and the special circumstances warranting the extended time period are
set forth as a special condition in this Order.
5. This Order may be extended by the issuing authority for one or more periods of up to three years each
upon application to the issuing authority at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the Order.
6. Any fill used in connection with this project shall be clean fill. Any fill shall contain no trash, refuse,
rubbish, or debris, including but not limited to lumber, bricks, plaster, wire, lath, paper, cardboard,
pipe, tires, ashes, refrigerators, motor vehicles, or parts of any of the foregoing.
7. This Order is not final until all administrative appeal periods from this Order have elapsed, or if such
an appeal has been taken, until all proceedings before the Department have been completed.
8. No work shall be undertaken until the Order has become final and then has been recorded in the
Registry of Deeds or the Land Court for the district in which the land is located, within the chain of title
of the affected property. In the case of recorded land, the Final Order shall also be noted in the
Registry's Grantor Index under the name of the owner of the land upon which the proposed work is to
be done. In the case of the registered land, the Final Order shall also be noted on the Land Court
Certificate of Title of the owner of the land upon which the proposed work is done. The recording
information shall be submitted to this Conservation Commission on the form at the end of this Order,
which form must be stamped by the Registry of Deeds, prior to the commencement of work.
9. A sign shall be displayed at the site not less then two square feet or more than three square feet in
size bearing the words,
"Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection" [or, WA DEP]
"File Number 242-1357
wpaform5.doc • rev. 3/1/05
Page 4 of 9
'Der) .l
LlMassachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 5 - Order of Conditions
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40 s
W GJl"s ?ro4c.4; oC go4r ht cod t- t
DEP File Number:
242-1357
C. General Conditions Under Mas achusetts Wetlands Protection Act
10. Where the Department of Environmental Protection is requested to issue a Superseding Order, the
Conservation Commission shall be a party to all agency proceedings and hearings before DEP.
11. Upon completion of the work described herein, the applicant shall submit a Request for Certificate of
Compliance (WPA Form 8A) to the Conservation Commission.
12. The work shall conform to the plans and special conditions referenced in this order.
13. Any change to the plans identified in Condition #12 above shall require the applicant to inquire of the
Conservation Commission in writing whether the change is significant enough to require the filing of a
new Notice of Intent.
14. The Agent or members of the Conservation Commission and the Department of Environmental
Protection shall have the right to enter and inspect the area subject to this Order at reasonable hours
to evaluate compliance with the conditions stated in this Order, and may require the submittal of any
data deemed necessary by the Conservation Commission or Department for that evaluation.
15. This Order of Conditions shall apply to any successor in interest or successor in control of the
property subject to this Order and to any contractor or other person performing work conditioned by
this Order.
16. Prior to the start of work, and if the project involves work adjacent to a Bordering Vegetated Wetland,
the boundary of the wetland in the vicinity of the proposed work area shall be marked by wooden
stakes or flagging. Once in place, the wetland boundary markers shall be maintained until a Certificate
of Compliance has been issued by the Conservation Commission.
17. All sedimentation barriers shall be maintained in good repair until all disturbed areas have been fully
stabilized with vegetation or other means. At no time shall sediments be deposited in a wetland or
water body. During construction, the applicant or his/her designee shall inspect the erosion controls
on a daily basis and shall remove accumulated sediments as needed. The applicant shall immediately
control any erosion problems that occur at the site and shall also immediately notify the Conservation
Commission, which reserves the right to require additional erosion and/or damage prevention controls
it may deem necessary. Sedimentation barriers shall serve as the limit of work unless another limit of
work line has been approved by this Order.
18. All work associated with this Order is required to comply with the Massachusetts Stormwater Policy
Standards.
Special Conditions:
If you need more
space for
additional
conditions,
select box to
attach a text
document ED
wp8form5.&C • rev. 3/1/05 Page 5 of 9
-Dw r
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 5 - Order of Conditions
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 11, §40's kes-A
�- (�c.+) �� fro to I cln fear t-79. co,IL of
DEP File Number:
242-1357
D. Findings Under Municipal Wetlands ylaw or Ordinance
1. Is a municipal wetlands bylaw or ordinance applicable? ® Yes ❑ No
2. The North Andover hereby finds (check one that applies):
Conservation Commission
3. ❑ that the proposed work cannot be conditioned to meet the standards set forth in a municipal
ordinance or bylaw specifically:
a. Municipal Ordinance or Bylaw b. Citation
Therefore, work on this project may not go forward unless and until a revised Notice of Intent is
submitted which provides measures which are adequate to meet these standards, and a final Order of
Conditions is issued.
4. ® that the following additional conditions are necessary to comply with a municipal ordinance or
bylaw:
North Andover Wetland Protection Bylaw Chapter 178
a. Municipal Ordinance or Bylaw b. Citation
The Commission orders that all work shall be performed in accordance with the following conditions
and with the Notice of Intent referenced above. To the extent that the following conditions modify or
differ from the plans, specifications, or other proposals submitted with the Notice of Intent, the
conditions shall control.
If you need more c. The special conditions relating to municipal ordinance or law are as follows:
space for P 9 P y
additional See attached
conditions,
select box to
attach a text
document
wpaforM5.doc • rev. 3/1/05 Page 6 of 9
TeA C�
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands SEP File Number:
WPA Form 5 - Order of Conditions 242-1357
Mass chusetts Wetlands Protectir Act M.G.L. 131, §40 -1 rl 14
Vim- 0&-H g fro , 6 h ftitJ �� OF oc z Dr N An Jovt,—
E. Issuance
This Order is valid for three years, unless otherwise specified as a special if hih6
condition pursuant to General Conditions #4, from the date of issuance. 1. Date of Issuaice
Please indicate the number of members who will sign this form:
This Order must be signed by a majority of the Conservation Commission. 2. Number of Signers
The Order must be mailed by certified mail (return receipt requested) or hand delivered to the applicant. A
copy also must be mailed or hand delivered at the same tim to the appropdatePppartment of
Environmental Protection Regio I Office, if not filing electrcUcally, a d ref rorp owner, if different
from applicant. n
Signatures:
Notary Acknowledgement
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of
On this Day �i 4 of
Before me, the undersigned Notary Public,
personally appeared
Essex North
Good
Month Year
S N'1�1.5
&Z -
Name of Document Signer
proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification, which was/were
Massachusetts License
Description of evidence of identification
to be the person whose name is signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to
me that he/she signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose.
As member of North Andover
A. DONNA M. WEDGE
NOTAW PUBLIC
commoi &ATH Of MMUCHUSEM
MY Camm. E*= Aug. T. 2009
City/Town
Place notary seal and/or any stamp above
This Order is issued to the applicant as follows:
❑ by hand delivery on
Date
Conservation Commission
opwa- X. 1""'Iee4e
Signature
of Notary Public
Printed Name f Not ry Public
.-l,%q
My Commission r/xpires (Date)
L/ by certified mail, return receipt requested, on
I,& I Lo (o
Date
wpaform5.doc • rev. 3/1/05
Page 7 of 9
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 5 - Order of Conditions
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
F. Appeals
DEP File Number:
242-1357
The applicant, the owner, any person aggrieved by this Order, any owner of land abutting the land subject
to this Order, or any ten residents of the city or town in which such land is located, are hereby notified of
their right to request the appropriate DEP Regional Office to issue a Superseding Order of Conditions.
The request must be made by certified mail or hand delivery to the Department, with the appropriate filing
fee and a completed Request of Departmental Action Fee Transmittal Form, as provided in 310 CMR
10.03(7) within ten business days from the date of issuance of this Order. A copy of the request shall at
the same time be sent by certified mail or hand delivery to the Conservation Commission and to the
applicant, if he/she is not the appellant. Any appellants seeking to appeal the Department's Superseding
Order associated with this appeal will be required to demonstrate prior participation in the review of this project.
Previous participation in the permit proceeding means the submission of written information to the
Conservation Commission prior to the close of the public hearing, requesting a Superseding Order or
Determination, or providing written information to the Department prior to issuance of a Superseding Order
or Determination.
The request shall state clearly and concisely the objections to the Order which is being appealed and how
the Order does not contribute to the protection of the interests identified in the Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act, (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40) and is inconsistent with the wetlands regulations (310 CMR 10.00).
To the extent that the Order is based on a municipal ordinance or bylaw, and not on the Massachusetts
Wetlands Protection Act or regulations, the Department has no appellate jurisdiction.
Section G, Recording Information is available on the following page.
wpaform5.doc • rev. 3/1/05
Page 8 of 9
Ll'Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection DEP File Number:
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 5 - Order of Conditions 242-1357
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
G. Recording Information
This Order of Conditions must be recorded in the Registry of Deeds or the Land Court for the district in
which the land is located, within the chain of title of the affected property. In the case of recorded land, the
Final Order shall also be noted in the Registry's Grantor Index under the name of the owner of the land
subject to the Order. In the case of registered land, this Order shall also be noted on the Land Court
Certificate of Title of the owner of the land subject to the Order of Conditions. The recording information
on Page 7 of this form shall be submitted to the Conservation Commission listed below.
North Andover
Conservation Commission
Detach on dotted line, have stamped by the Registry of Deeds and submit to the Conservation Commission.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To:
North Andover
Conservation Commission
Please be advised that the Order of Conditions for the Project at:
Project Location
Has been recorded at the Registry of Deeds of:
County
for:
Property Owner
242-1357
DEP File Number
Book Page
and has been noted in the chain of title of the affected property in:
Book Page
In accordance with the Order of Conditions issued on:
Date
If recorded land, the instrument number identifying this transaction is:
Instrument Number
If registered land, the document number identifying this transaction is:
Document Number
Signature of Applicant
wpaform5.doc - rev. 3/1/05 Page 9 of 9
DEP FILE # 242-1357
FINDINGS OF FACT
I. OVERVIEW
0 North Main Street
Downer Brothers Landscaping (the "Applicant") filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the North
Andover Conservation Commission (NACC) on May 12, 2006 requesting an Order of Conditions
approving the construction of a commercial building and associated site work to include grading,
stormwater management, paving, and appurtenances within the 100 -foot Buffer Zone to a Bordering
Vegetated (BVW)/Bank, the 200' Riverfront Area and Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF)
associated with the Merrimack River. These resources are subject to protection under the
Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act (MGL c.131 s.40) (the "Act") and the North Andover Wetland
Protection ByLaw (c.178 of the Code of North Andover) (the "Bylaw").
A legal notice was published accordingly in the Lazvrence Eagle Tribune and a public hearing was
scheduled for May 24, 2006 (21 days from the date of filing). On May 24, 2006, the NACC opened the
public hearing. Subsequent public hearings were held or were continued on numerous occasions at
the request of the applicant.
A chronological account of the public meetings held and the continuances granted are documented
below:
• At the May 26, 2006 public meeting, the NACC granted the applicant's continuance request to the
meeting of June 14, 2006 after testimony was heard.
• At the June 14, 2006 public meeting, the NACC granted the applicant's continuance request to the
meeting of July 12, 2006. No new testimony was heard.
• At the July 12, 2006 public meeting, the NACC granted the applicant's continuance request to the
meeting of August 23, 2006. No new testimony was heard.
• At the August 23, 2006 public meeting, the NACC granted the applicant's continuance request to
the meeting of September 13, 2006. No new testimony was heard. The NACC had requested the
applicant or the applicant's representative, New England Engineering Services, Inc (NEES), to be
present at the September 1301 meeting even if a continuance was again requested.
• At the September 13, 2006 public meeting, neither the applicant nor a representative was present
despite the fact that the Administrator, Alison McKay, and the Administrative Assistant, Donna
Wedge, spoke directly to NEES in this regard and were told that someone would be present,
although a continuance would be requested. The Commission had some discussion as to how
they wished to proceed, whether to grant the applicant's continuance request or whether to close
the public hearing and issue a decision. After viewing the meeting on local cable access
television, the applicant appeared at the meeting. The applicant stated that he was told that his
representative would be present and was not sure why they were not. The Commission
reiterated their great concern of repeated continuances and lack of information submitted. They
had offered the applicant the option to withdraw without prejudice and to refile when the
application was more complete.. The applicant had requested a continuance to the meeting of
September 27, 2006. The Commission unanimously granted this continuance. No new testimony
was heard.
C:\Swap/00C/242-1357,0 N. Main- Denial I NACC 11/30/2006
DEP FILE # 242-1357 0 North Main Street
• At the September 27, 2006 public meeting, NEES provided new information and new testimony
was heard (discussed hereafter). After hearing testimony and participating in discussion, the
Commission unanimously voted to continue the public meeting to the meeting of October 11,
2006.
At the October 11, 2006 public meeting, NEES was present to discuss the project since the last
meeting and update the Commission. Ms. McKay indicated that she met with NEES to discuss
the outstanding administrative issues/concerns (discussed hereafter). NESS provided no new
information since the September 27, 2006 public meeting. The Commission unanimously voted to
continue the public hearing to the meeting of November 15, 2006.
At the November 15, 2006 public meeting, neither the applicant nor NEES were present, however
NEES had submitted a continuance request letter to the meeting of January 24, 2007. The letter
explained that the reason for the lengthy continuance was to allow for a request for a variance
from the Zoning Board of Appeals to continue the existing industrial use on the undersized lot.
After some discussion, a motion was made to grant this continuance. The motion was seconded.
No other motion was made, therefore the motion failed. A motion was made to close and issue a
decision. The motion was seconded. The vote was unanimous.
• At the November 29, 2006 public meeting, the Commission rendered a DENIAL based upon the
following facts and findings:
The project is proposed on a previously developed 43,561 s.f. commercially zoned lot created prior to
August 1, 1996. As stated previously, the lot is located entirely within the 200' Riverfront area and
the 100 -year floodplain (FEMA FIRM elevation 33 feet) to the. Merrimack River. Coincidently, the
project was filed the Friday prior to the May 14, 2006 flood event. The entire site was observed to be
under water with waters rising to almost, if not, the exact location of the determined 100 -year flood
elevation (later confirmed and stated by the project's Engineer during a public meeting). Work was
also proposed within associated BVW/Bank buffer zone resource areas. Existing site conditions
included a combination of grass, gravel, concrete, pavement and slab area (no foundation), on top of
which the previous commercial building was situated (which had since collapsed and was no longer
standing). The site was currently used as a landscaping/storage/junk yard area and had been used
as such over the years (as such, the NACC had mandated the issuance of an Enforcement Order
subsequent to the issuance of this decision). Proposed work on the site would consist of cleaning up
the site (i.e. - removal of debris from the previously demolished building, removal of stockpiled
landscaping materials, removal of other materials/scrap vehicles, etc.) and the redevelopment of the
site with the construction of a new 38' x 52' (1,976 s.f.) commercial building and associated site work
The project site is located entirely within the 200 -foot riverfront area. The site as it exists today is
disturbed and currently used as a landscaper's yard. Stormwater currently flows unabated from the
site overland towards and in to the Merrimack River. Proposed work would improve existing site
conditions and therefore the applicant asserts that the proposed project would be allowed under the
Redevelop provision of the Riverfront regulations (310 CMR 10.58 (5) & (6)). An alternative 'analysis
statement for work within the Riverfront resource area was also included in the NOI application and
states that "construction is not feasible outside of the protection area. The site has been used as a
contractor's storage yard and previously contained a building with a larger footprint than what was
proposed." I
CASwap/000242-1357,0 N. Main- Denial 2 NACC 11/30/2006
DEP FILE # 242-1357 0 North Main Street
Further, the applicant asserts in the NOI application that the proposed project would not adversely
affect the riverfront area and would improve the ability of the buffer zone to protect the interests of
the Riverfront Protection Act. The NOI application additionally provides and asserts that the project
would not adversely impact additional protected interests including the protection of public and
private water supply, the protection of groundwater, flood control, the prevention of pollution, the
protection of wildlife habitat, the protection of fisheries, and the protection of land containing
shellfish. I
The NOI application had provided flood plain calculations and a drainage analysis of the site.
Because the site was located entirely within the 100 -year flood elevation and would Irequire
approximately 1,846 cubic feet of flood plain filling, the applicant had proposed and provided 1,863
cubic feet of compensatory flood storage on the site in accordance with the flood standards of 1:1
compensatory flood storage pursuant to 310 CMR 10.57 (4) (a) 1. The applicant also proposed flood
proofing the building so as to construct it on pilings. The NACC had neither refuted nor confirmed
whether such compensatory flood storage provided and the means and methods to which it was
provided met all performance standards pursuant to 310 CMR 10.57 (4).
The Commission had raised and had continually raised a concern as to whether the lot was even
buildable under the local zoning bylaw. This concern was raised at the initial public meeting of May
24, 2006 at each subsequent public hearing held (three (3) of which were not continued within six (6)
months). An abutter's attorney, Dom Scalise, also raised this question at the initial public meeting of
May 24, 2006 asserting that it was his recollection that the previous Inspector of Buildings/ Zoning
Enforcement Officer, Robert Nicetta, had indicated verbally that the lot was not buildable, although
he had nothing in writing to confirm this opinion. Mr. Scalise asked if zoning variances would be
required. After hearing all initial testimony, Scott Masse, NACC Chairman, highly recommended
that the applicant seek an opinion from the local Inspector of Buildings, Gerald Brown, for a
determination of whether or not the lot was buildable under the zoning bylaw and regulations and
what zoning variances, if any, would be required.
An account of the meeting held on September 13, 2006 is described as part of the chronological
account of the public meetings stated formerly.
At the meeting of September 27, 2006, Ben Osgood, Jr. of NEES presented a redesign of the project
including, but not limited to, the relocation of the building outside of the Greater Lawrence Sanitary
District (GLSD) easement, which had been raised at the May 24thpublic meeting. At this meeting,
Ms. McKay recommended that the Commission vote to set up escrow for a third party consultant
review of the drainage analysis. A motion to set up escrow for a third party drainage review in the
amount of $5000 was made by Sean McDonough and seconded by Deborah Feltovic. Mr. Osgood
refuted that the escrow amount was too high. He offered no response and associated justification to
another amount. The Commission discussed holding off on setting up escrow to determine a more
reasonable amount. The Commission withdrew the motion. A motion to continue to the meeting of
October 11, 2006 was made by Ms. Feltovic and seconded by Jack Mabon. The vote was unanimous.
At the October 11thmeeting, Andy Lambert of NEES and attorney Scalise. Ms. McKay stated that a
meeting was held with herself and NEES on October 6th to discuss the project and iron out some of
the administrative concerns she had had. Mr. Scalise was also present at the October 6thmeeting.
Ms. McKay stated that the concern as to whether the lot was actually buildable or not and what, if
any, zoning variances would be required was still outstanding. NEES indicated at the October 6th
meeting that they had not yet spoken to the Inspector of Buildings. Ms. McKay reiterated at that
meeting that this should be looked into as previously requested by the Commission. At the October
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11th meeting, the NACC had received a letter written by Mr. Osgood, Jr. (dated October 11, 2006) in
regards to the Commissions initial request of if the lot met zoning requirements. This letter stated
the following:
"This office has researched the existence of the lot and has determined that it was created between
1948 and 1960. The IS zoning district was developed in the late 1950's. If the lot was created prior to
the creation of the zoning bylaw than a variance for the use of the lot is not needed, however if the
lot was created after the adoption of the zoning bylaw a variance to use the lot will be required.
This office will need more time to research the title for the property and determine the exact date of
creation of the lot to determine if a variance is required. More time will be needed to accomplish this
research."
The letter also requested the Commissions authorization for posting an escrow for a review of the
submittal by their outside consultant as well as a continuance of the public hearing for one month.
Commission member Joseph Lynch recommended waiting on setting up an escrow account for
outside review until a determination was made on the lot and whether it was buildable or not. Mr.
McDonough agreed stating that the projects should have been filed with the zoning board first before
it was filed with the Commission and felt that the NACC could deny the project on that basis. A
motion to continue to the meeting of November 15, 2006 was made by Mr. Mabon. Ms. Feltovic
seconded. The vote was unanimous.
At the November 15, 2006 meeting, neither the applicant nor a representative was present. A
continuance letter was submitted dated November 14, 2006 requesting a continuance to the meeting
of January 14, 2007. The letter states that the lengthy continuance is being requested to allow NEES
"to request a variance from the Board of appeals to continue the existing industrial use on an
undersized lot." Chairman Masse stated that he wash inclined to grant the continuance, as the
applicant had known for six (6) months that this was a concern. Ms. Feltovic motioned to grant the
continuance to the meeting of January 24, 2007. Mr. Mabon seconded. No other motion was made.
The motion failed. Mr. Mabon motioned to close and issue a decision within 21 days. Ms. Feltovic
seconded. Unanimous.
At the November 15, 2006 public hearing, the NACC voted to close the public hearing and issue a
decision within 21 days (VOTE 4-0-0). A special meeting was held by the NACC on November 29,
2006 in order to render this decision within the 21 -day time requirement set forth by the Act and
Bylaw.
II. Decision - DENIAL
After careful review of the information presented by the applicant at public hearings, at a special
meeting of November 29, 2006, the NACC unanimously voted to DENY the applicant's request to
construct a commercial building and associated site work to include grading, stormwater
management, paving, and appurtenances within the 100 -foot Buffer Zone to a Bordering Vegetated
(BVW)/Bank, the 200' Riverfront Area and Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF) associated
with the Merrimack River as shown on the site plans entitled "Site Plan" consisting of sheets 1-4,
dated August 22, 2006, revised September 21, 2006.
The project has been DENIED by the NACC based upon the following reasons:
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North Andover Wetlands Protection Bylaw (chapter 178 code of North Andover) -178.5 C
"The applicant shall have the burden of proving by preponderance of credible evidence that the
activity proposed in the Notice of Intent will not cause adverse impacts to any of the interests and
values sought to be protected by this Bylaw. Failure to provide to the Commission adequate
evidence for it to determine that the proposed activity does not cause adverse impacts shall be
significant cause for the Commission to deny permission or to grant such permission...."
North Andover Wetlands Protection Bylaw (chapter 178 code of North Andover) - 178.4 -
Applications to Perform Work and Information Required
"In order to comply with the provisions of this Bylaw, each application must be complete as filed,
and must comply with the rules set forth herein and Commission regulations. No such
application shall be accepted as complete before all permits, variances, and approvals required by
the Bylaws of the Town with respect to the proposed activity, at the time of such Notice, have
been applied for or obtained. Such application shall also include any information submitted in
connection with such permits, variances, and approvals that is necessary to describe the effect of
the proposed activity on the resource areas".
North Andover Wetlands Protection Regulations - Section 4.3.1
"Submission of incomplete or inadequate information or a failure to meet the burden of proof
may result in extensive delays and continuances in the review and approval procedure. Failure to
supply adequate and credible documentation describing the impact of the project on resource
areas may result in issuance of a decision prohibiting the work".
NACC Waiver Standard:
"The project, or its natural and consequential effects, will not have any adverse effects upon any
of the interests protected by the Bylaw. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide
the Commission with any information that the Commission may request to enable the
Commission to ascertain such adverse effects. The failure of the applicant to furnish any
information that has been so requested shall result in the denial of a request for a waiver pursuant
to this subsection".
The Applicant did not satisfy the Commission's repeated requests to submit all information
pertaining to the property during a reasonable time period. The Commission found that the
repeated continuances requested by the applicant were unnecessary when concerns were raised on
numerous occasions starting from the initial public hearing. The information submitted by the
applicant was not sufficient to describe the site, the work, or the effect of the work on the interests
identified in the Wetlands Protection Act and the North Andover Wetlands Protection Bylaw.
While the NACC had a comprehensive understanding of the proposed project as _presented,
compliance with performance standards for each protected interest pursuant to the Bylaw and
WPA and associated regulations could not be thoroughly evaluated/determined without
additional information. In this way, the applicant failed to overcome the burden of proof (310
CMR 10.03 (1)) and (178.5 c.) and demonstrate to the Commission that the proposed work would
not have any adverse effects upon the interests identified in the WPA and the Bylaw.
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Therefore, no work shall be performed on this project. The applicant has failed to demonstrate
compliance with the North Andover Wetland Protection ByLaw and the Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act pursuant to these provisions.
III. Record Documents:
Notice of Intent filed by: Downer Brothers Landscaping (Applicant)
21 Main Street
North Andover, MA 01845
Received DATE May 12, 2006.
Plans prepared by: New England Engineering Services, Inc.
1600 Osgood Street
Building 20, Suite 2-64
North Andover, MA 01845
Entitled "Site Plan", consisting of sheets 1 through 4.
DATED: August 22, 2006, revised 9/21/06.
Signed & Stamped by Benjamin C. Osgood, Jr., P.E.
Other Record Documents: Drainage Report
Prepared by New England Engineering Services, Inc.
Dated May 10, 2006;
Operation and Maintenance Plan (included in NOI)
Dated May 10, 2006;
Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Natural Heritage & Endangered
Species Program (NHESP) letter dated June 13, 2006;
Continuance letters prepared by New England Engineering dated
June 14, 2006, June 27, 2006, July 11, 2006, August 21, 2006,
September 13, 2006, October 11, 2006, & November 14, 2006.
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