30B-068 Riverside Drive-Request for Determination -DeckJune 22, 2017
Alexander Lane
57 Prospect Ave
Northampton, MA 01060
Home: (413) 585-1110
Cell: (917) 470-4122
Request for determination of applicability; Proposed Deck at 0 Riverside
Drive, Parcel 30B-068-001
To the Members of the Conservation Commission of the City of
Northampton:
I am requesting permission to build a small deck outside my barn on
Riverside Drive, which I do not believe would have any impact on the
nearby Mill River or the surrounding vegetation.
The deck – at 10’ x 16’, and approximately two feet off the ground – would
enable me to continue and improve the longstanding uses of the structure: as
a place for storage and limited use of construction tools and materials, and
passive enjoyment of the riverfront.
This is an approximately 125-year-old building that was in severe disrepair
when I purchased it, with its contents, last year. It was filled with building
tools and materials, many of which I have safely disposed of, others of
which I have used in the ongoing repair of the building, and still others of
which I continue to store.
At the time of my purchase a great deal of bulky material was stored on the
side of the building facing the river on an improvised deck of pallets,
including metal roofing, concrete reinforcement bars, stacks of tiles, ladders,
rough lumber, steel pipe, and so on. There were also chairs and benches for
sitting, in various states of disrepair. I have moved, used or discarded most
of the material and furniture. A small deck would enable me to safely stage
the remaining bulky material, and provide a safe, level surface for sitting.
As you can see from the attached photo, construction of the deck would not
require the removal of any trees or other vegetation. There would be gaps
between the deck boards, so rainwater would continue to be absorbed into
the soil as it is presently.
My repairs to the property thus far include replacing rotten posts and beams,
improving a pronounced lean, correcting framing inadequacies, and
repairing and painting siding, and have been met with great appreciation in
the neighborhood. It is a highly visible structure, and had long been a danger
and an eyesore. I have discussed my efforts constantly with passers-by and
members of the Bay State Village Association, who have been universally
supportive. The deck concept in particular I have discussed with Alex
Geisling, the closest abutter, and Daniel Dacri, who lives across the street,
both of whom are very supportive.
I would also note that this property serves as a pass-through to a de facto-
public riverfront path and popular swimming area. I have continued to allow
that use and have no intention of changing that, of which the neighbors have
been appreciative. This project would in no way impede public passage to
the river.
Alexander Lane
57 Prospect Ave
wpaform1.doc Page 1 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 1- Request for Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Northampton
City/Town
A. General Information
Important:
When filling out
forms on the
computer, use
only the tab key
to move your
cursor - do not
use the return
key.
1. Applicant:
Alexander Lane
Name
alex.reporter@gmail.com
E-Mail Address
57 Prospect Ave
Mailing Address
Northampton
City/Town
MA
State
01060
Zip Code
413-585-1110
Phone Number
Fax Number (if applicable)
2. Representative (if any):
Firm
Contact Name
E-Mail Address
Mailing Address
City/Town
State
Zip Code
Phone Number
Fax Number (if applicable)
B. Determinations
1. I request the Northampton Conservation
Commission
Conservation Commission
make the following determination(s). Check any that apply:
a. whether the area depicted on plan(s) and/or map(s) referenced below is an area subject to
jurisdiction of the Wetlands Protection Act.
b. whether the boundaries of resource area(s) depicted on plan(s) and/or map(s) referenced
below are accurately delineated.
c. whether the work depicted on plan(s) referenced below is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act.
d. whether the area and/or work depicted on plan(s) referenced below is subject to the jurisdiction
of any municipal wetlands ordinance or bylaw of:
Name of Municipality
e. whether the following scope of alternatives is adequate for work in the Riverfront Area as
depicted on referenced plan(s).
wpaform1.doc Page 2 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 1- Request for Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Northampton
City/Town
C. Project Description
1. a. Project Location (use maps and plans to identify the location of the area subject to this request):
0 Riverside Drive
Street Address
Northampton
City/Town
30B-068
Assessors Map/Plat Number
001
Parcel/Lot Number
b. Area Description (use additional paper, if necessary):
The area behind the barn at 0 Riverside Drive, facing the river.
c. Plan and/or Map Reference(s):
Title
Date
Title
Date
Title
Date
2. a. Work Description (use additional paper and/or provide plan(s) of work, if necessary):
Constuction of a 10' x 16' wooden deck behind the barn. See attached PDF for more detail.
wpaform1.doc Page 3 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 1- Request for Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Northampton
City/Town
C. Project Description (cont.)
b. Identify provisions of the Wetlands Protection Act or regulations which may exempt the applicant
from having to file a Notice of Intent for all or part of the described work (use additional paper, if
necessary).
3. a. If this application is a Request for Determination of Scope of Alternatives for work in the
Riverfront Area, indicate the one classification below that best describes the project.
Single family house on a lot recorded on or before 8/1/96
Single family house on a lot recorded after 8/1/96
Expansion of an existing structure on a lot recorded after 8/1/96
Project, other than a single family house or public project, where the applicant owned the lot
before 8/7/96
New agriculture or aquaculture project
Public project where funds were appropriated prior to 8/7/96
Project on a lot shown on an approved, definitive subdivision plan where there is a recorded deed
restriction limiting total alteration of the Riverfront Area for the entire subdivision
Residential subdivision; institutional, industrial, or commercial project
Municipal project
District, county, state, or federal government project
Project required to evaluate off-site alternatives in more than one municipality in an
Environmental Impact Report under MEPA or in an alternatives analysis pursuant to an
application for a 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or 401 Water Quality
Certification from the Department of Environmental Protection.
b. Provide evidence (e.g., record of date subdivision lot was recorded) supporting the classification
above (use additional paper and/or attach appropriate documents, if necessary.)
wpaform1.doc Page 4 of 4
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Resource Protection - Wetlands
WPA Form 1- Request for Determination of Applicability
Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act M.G.L. c. 131, §40
Northampton
City/Town
D. Signatures and Submittal Requirements
I hereby certify under the penalties of perjury that the foregoing Request for Determination of Applicability
and accompanying plans, documents, and supporting data are true and complete to the best of my
knowledge.
I further certify that the property owner, if different from the applicant, and the appropriate DEP Regional
Office were sent a complete copy of this Request (including all appropriate documentation)
simultaneously with the submittal of this Request to the Conservation Commission.
Failure by the applicant to send copies in a timely manner may result in dismissal of the Request for
Determination of Applicability.
Name and address of the property owner:
Alexander Lane
Name
57 Prospect Ave
Mailing Address
Northampton
City/Town
MA
State
01060
Zip Code
Signatures:
I also understand that notification of this Request will be placed in a local newspaper at my expense
in accordance with Section 10.05(3)(b)(1) of the Wetlands Protection Act regulations.
Signature of Applicant
JUNE 22, 2017
Date
Signature of Representative (if any)
Date
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