2024.08.29 Staff Report.pdf
August 29 2024 Staff Report
To: Conservation Commission From: Sarah LaValley
RE: Staff Report, August 29 2024 Commission Meeting
5:30 PM Notice of Intent for warehouse addition, parking area reconfiguration
and related stormwater work. GMS Realty, LLP. 168-178 Industrial Drive, Map
IDs 18D-063 and 24B-087. Record CC-24-14
Application Overview:
The application proposes an a8,000 sf warehouse addition to an existing building. The majority
of the work is outside buffer zone to BVW, but includes removal of existing pavement and
replacement with grass and landscaping within buffer. The work is subject to the stormwater
standards as a redevelopment project. Overall impervious coverage of the site will be reduced
from existing conditions. 7,493 SF of existing pavement within the outer 50-100’ wetland buffer
zone, and 1,343 SF of pavement within the 50’ buffer zone is proposed to be converted to a
vegetated area.
The stormwater report details how to work will meet the stormwater standards including
reduction in peak discharge, addition of sedimentation devices to reduce total suspended solids,
and a deep-sump hooded catchbasin.
Original plans showed a gravel area on the southwestern side of the property that was actually
pavement in poor condition. A 2,340 sf area adjacent to this area is proposed to be removed and
replaced with gravel which would result in an area of gravel surrounded by pavement. DPW’s
stormwater review comments indicated that the area appears to be used for truck parking and
snow storage and the change to gravel may result in a less stable surface and a greater discharge
of sediment and gravel info the nearby catch basin. The existing surface conditions should be
confirmed and revisions to the plan made to ensure the area remains stabilized. In response to
this comment, The area to be replaced with gravel was relocated to the easterly side of the site
and replaced with loam and seed.
A major site plan was approved by the planning board; as part of this a stormwater O&M
agreement will need to be recorded.
DEP Comments:
File number 246-0788 issued, no comments.
Consistency with WPA and Northampton Wetlands Ordinance, Staff
Recommendation:
Work within buffer areas is limited to removal of existing degraded/paved area, and the
overall project will result in an improvement over existing stormwater conditions. The
August 29 2024 Staff Report 2
application does not include a detailed planting plan for the area to be converted. The
Commission should discuss details for this area with the applicant, and require a planting
plan. Addition of native wildflowers and pollinator plants with a limited mowing and
maintenance schedule should be considered as an alternative to turf grass. The Commission
should also discuss detailed plans for restoration of this area; including soil amendments and
scarification to reintroduce aeration after compaction.
5:45 PM Notice of Intent for 12-unit cluster development, access road, pedestrian paths and related stormwater. Sovereign Builders, 8 View Ave/ 56
Northern Ave. Map 25C, parcels 012, 017. Record CC-24-6
The applicant has requested a continuation until September 12 at 5:45 PM. Continue the
hearing without discussion until that date.