Kelly Collins

The Commission addressed several agenda items, including a Request for Determination of Applicability for tree removal at 113 Burnham Road, resulting in a negative determination with conditions. A Notice of Intent for a residential project at 443 Still River Road was denied for failure to meet wetland bylaw performance standards. A Request for Determination of Applicability for construction at 159 Ballville Road was approved. The Commission also granted permission for the Bolton Conservation Trust to hold the Tom Denney Nature Camp in 2026 and accepted goals for the FY2027 budget, including Community Preservation Act funding, dam maintenance, and land preservation efforts. Updates were provided on enforcement orders and various conservation land stewardship projects.

The Commission addressed several requests for amendments to Orders of Conditions, including grading revisions at 580 Main Street, a well installation at 98 Berlin Road, and various property improvements at 711-713 Main Street. Public hearings were held regarding tree removal at 113 Burnham Road and a Notice of Intent for a pool and site improvements at 443 Still River Road, with both items continued to a future meeting. Additionally, the commission discussed the upcoming Tom Denney Nature Camp, reviewed priorities for the FY27 budget, received status updates on various enforcement orders, and reviewed progress on conservation land projects, including the Forest Legacy Program and DCR cost-share initiatives.

The Commission reviewed a Notice of Intent for a proposed accessory dwelling unit at 455 Sugar Road, discussing site access, riparian zones, and stormwater management, ultimately continuing the hearing. The Commission also reviewed the draft Forest Management Plan for the Taggart Forestland Parcel and authorized the Conservation Agent to submit a MassTrails Grant application for the Bower Spring earthen dam trail maintenance project. Additionally, the Commission discussed enforcement orders and received updates on various conservation land projects, including the Forest Legacy Program, DCR Cost-Share initiatives, and ongoing trail stewardship efforts.

The Commission addressed several items, including a public hearing for a proposed accessory dwelling unit at 455 Sugar Road and a discussion regarding a proposed trail connection between Nashoba High School and Taggart Forestland, which raised concerns about flood-prone areas. The Commission voted to amend the authorization process for tree removal to clarify replacement requirements. Additionally, approval was granted for the Tom Denney Nature Camp to hold an anniversary event at Bowers Springs. The Commission also initiated discussions on updating rules regarding leash requirements at the Bowers Springs Conservation Area and reviewed updates on various conservation land projects and enforcement orders.

The meeting included a review of the Forbush Mill study area, focusing on signage, aesthetic size limitations, traffic generation, and potential for development. The Board also reviewed the 2025 Planning Board annual report. Additionally, the committee discussed and approved the appointment of volunteers to the Housing Production Planning Committee, and reviewed and approved the release of driveway surety for properties at 158 Still River Road and 337 Green Road. The Board also briefly touched on Century Mill and the recent DPW report.