[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6305126,"mediaKeyId","2450372-1a79cc87a364df80c0c1b21fc0bc5e81","parentId",2450372,"title","Commission discusses Needham Land Trust arrangements and Wellesley Land Trust monitoring for Cartwright Road property","audioSeconds",407,"startMs",2744000,"endMs",3151000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2450372-1a79cc87a364df80c0c1b21fc0bc5e81&start=2744&end=3151","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2450372-1a79cc87a364df80c0c1b21fc0bc5e81/thumbnail_2744000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6305126/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Commission-discusses-Needham-Land-Trust-arrangements-and-Wellesley-Land-Trust-monitoring-for-Cartwright-Road-property","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305126-9380f6f7268cec7b143a809db278580f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173065&Signature=bUhWIox0PJ3M4B~8VRoAc7KMRQ4xkzSac4MfYALK8DvtUq0BFIMqSCMercsZuKwvim5aQndiVihXHSqoWkBrYt4BsD9w0DS4SF6hTBEgEKanGcR6oum1536u9ZxaxeAYgvGc1gl9XIX19mxouEpTwS5Ar61avzkplxlI7tePuHEPFCE3LX8suRzZLdlTYNwHX7OyBdPEaeTrYeNkULNQm48pB09j-9XmLzikv0gNI-ohsJ3OJZFCnYW2tdP9Ahs9RKh7UMcetDY31tGPgEtUe0sVLZt0QYbK1cFCfk5vch6CxTGQID8DILAYLNNXUopzfCDbeNBy0BbIQ8szbK9Zig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Needham, MA","date","2025-02-28T00:00:00Z","article","Members of the Needham Conservation Commission raised questions Feb. 27 about the involvement of the Wellesley Land Trust and the role of the Needham Land Trust in monitoring conservation-restricted properties, including a privately owned parcel near Cartwright Road.

Commissioners said the Needham Land Trust was formed to act as a holding/trust organization for some Community Preservation Committee-funded properties but that it has limited capacity. Staff said the Wellesley Land Trust has been asked to take over monitoring for some properties because the Needham Land Trust has few active monitors and limited resources.

The commission discussed that the conservation restriction deed and an associated trust agreement normally establish the third-party monitoring arrangement; the trust or land trust (not the conservation commission itself) acts as the independent monitor per CPC grant requirements. Staff noted the owner chooses which third-party land trust will hold the restriction and monitoring responsibilities.

Commissioners asked why a private owner would choose the Wellesley Land Trust rather than a local Needham organization; staff suggested resource availability and capacity were likely factors. The commission agreed the primary objective is to ensure conservation protections remain in place regardless of which land trust performs monitoring.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Needham: Conservation Commission 02/27/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners asked about the transfer of monitoring responsibilities from the Needham Land Trust to the Wellesley Land Trust and discussed reasons private owners might select a particular land trust.","taxTitle","Town of Needham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",54445,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6305131,"Needham commission schedules public hearing on regulation update, discusses hybrid-meeting requirements",60,1557000,1617000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2450372-1a79cc87a364df80c0c1b21fc0bc5e81&start=1557&end=1617","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2450372-1a79cc87a364df80c0c1b21fc0bc5e81/thumbnail_1557000.jpg","/articles/6305131/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-commission-schedules-public-hearing-on-regulation-update-discusses-hybrid-meeting-requirements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305131-4d5f9ef250ca9545a60fb58ddcd22018/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173065&Signature=BtbJA0Rr4Qz42l4Cd1PLPTWz~bROoetL8IDvklFN0uyYKHwu93Ag-b7izLwGIWwH3bSrarUiBq6lLaHacC6su2FWFxZnn61HnQkBvmEeM2ZbVDonITGHgdxO7dpDEaUp2N3m7EHh4oHipin3tFYncwc~BvxhxtvaTVDwJ7NDR4YbmpZIKmVGrLaw293tFxebnsvY-FpnqFm1YWurfWJZ5mr1jZx1MpDd~18KRfQs6y0-LLRptl57-8D8MjF9NtxuZdBaOvmqZZlYc~0etmqzzKeE6Sbf4glAjqK0NQ6h9HlVh7jTg67w0Ycb7R1bpxVKSb3QVMAxzgQTWZFfyFvuKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Needham Conservation Commission confirmed it will hold a public hearing on proposed regulation updates at its next scheduled meeting and discussed logistics of hybrid meetings should the state require in-person participation.

Commission Chair Dave Harrer said he would place the regulation-adoption ad and asked staff to post the latest revision to the commission website. A staff member confirmed they would post the revised regulations and that the public hearing will occur on March 13.

Commissioners discussed whether the commission could require applicants to attend in person if the commission meets in person; members noted the state memo suggests hybrid meeting capability will be required. Commissioners agreed to wait for state guidance before making a formal decision on requiring applicants to appear in person, and they discussed staff support for setting up hybrid technology (the town uses an “owl” camera device and some committees have administrative support to manage Zoom connections).

The commission will advertise the March 13 public hearing on the proposed regulation update and expects to vote on adoption at a later meeting depending on public input.","The commission will hold a public hearing on proposed regulation updates at its next meeting on March 13; members discussed hybrid meeting technology and whether applicants must appear in person once in-person meetings resume.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6305136,"Needham conservation commission, Rotary consider trail-step repairs at Ridge (Bridal) Hill; members favor finished trail steps",1010,1640000,2650000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2450372-1a79cc87a364df80c0c1b21fc0bc5e81&start=1640&end=2650","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2450372-1a79cc87a364df80c0c1b21fc0bc5e81/thumbnail_1640000.jpg","/articles/6305136/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-conservation-commission-Rotary-consider-trail-step-repairs-at-Ridge-Bridal-Hill-members-favor-finished-trail-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305136-ff2829dcadf809b548148602c87238d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173065&Signature=QAL5~lSp2nRLIIA5l3BIEXtDlAVqy-cmwCCrGK51hPDSoFo8mhnLmE2ezVB-RQedUFeD-cejLUwIs5F~L9fSkWDhtgsR1nokeztWuOI2diHwFRT4BuPfYQf8C9AdVa45Z35d11ESNnM1D44WJfidWmkJzipEB9oKHINLMfsmwaHKDRSY16moPnwe7lQOujtTyX-GZ9lBYW1PcQtRjpamDUVKE~TwAAIm9q28gZwE1A4i3hOxYV4FKLd36TwGNQTFVMwwdREn05TE2ddYQSxvY1eEcRABcEa1ERCH7oIR3FlGhX102-w-SZAl7-6zSiQtyxzIXjuu1RVmcKwazaf1RQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Needham Conservation Commission discussed repairs to a steep trail that leads to a boardwalk at Ridge (referred to in remarks as Bridal Hill) and considered using club volunteers to install steps during a Rotary Club volunteer day in May.

The slope at the location was described as about 28 percent (a little less than 3:1) with an eight-foot drop over roughly 28 feet of horizontal distance. Commission members and staff considered two construction approaches: simple check steps (timbers set perpendicular to the fall line) and wider, boxed “trail steps” with level treads.

Staff presented dimensions and cost considerations, estimating check steps as the simpler and lower-cost option (estimated around $500 for a short installation) while trail steps would require more cutting and materials but offer a level tread similar to standard stairs. Staff said the steps would be constructed of ground-contact pressure-treated wood and estimated decades-long service in the free-draining substrate.

Commissioners emphasized safety and accessibility for older users. Commissioner Larry and others favored the trail steps, citing ease of use for elderly walkers and people using poles. After discussion the group said the trail steps were the preferred option, subject to input from the Rotary volunteers and final engineering choices.

The commission also flagged localized erosion at the base of the slope, near the boardwalk, and suggested addressing a hole and other boardwalk repairs at the same time. No formal permit vote was recorded; the commission intends to coordinate with the Rotary Club and use money in the pending Community Preservation Committee project to support maintenance work.","Commissioners discussed a Rotary volunteer day to repair a steep trail at Ridge/Bridal Hill, weighing two approaches — check steps and full trail steps — and expressed a preference for trail steps to improve accessibility and reduce erosion.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6305141,"Commission approves order of conditions for redevelopment at 40 Highland Avenue/1416 Riverside Drive",446,634000,1080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2450372-1a79cc87a364df80c0c1b21fc0bc5e81&start=634&end=1080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2450372-1a79cc87a364df80c0c1b21fc0bc5e81/thumbnail_634000.jpg","/articles/6305141/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Commission-approves-order-of-conditions-for-redevelopment-at-40-Highland-Avenue1416-Riverside-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305141-e58caccfdb065f198b6a0f617ab22348/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173065&Signature=oQnvIaXnwrf5yHzNEXg6xYtBFlKVr7bEo-FJYITE5sqbgVoiX~8UV7eMceA6Eni3NW9vHLpnMsnXXVAW1rTdkkoT55VlfF9YxKqxlfi3cfyMoUFVKS3YnN4JZOjMoqqy6pB55AvhOufvc-tKuPEoK2u8sESdt0olWrmZDq5ru7P9qhnhM55Eu2NoFdDee-RhggPoXq8n3IpJY6g8nck8-UhcUYHKIIEnFqXAtnYDnXCv8j4LGEvbWzi27agzpmH6YqfLV0o07MC8T-0~UbwnRjzfVia335VSbarBX9-EnOwtQ-VoSOWybxE85aaX5fNqfOtWaQHnDH3JcofUPd1xDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Needham Conservation Commission on Feb. 27 voted to issue an order of conditions for redevelopment at 40 Highland Avenue and 1416 Riverside Drive (DEP file 234-945), concluding that the proposed work will occur in previously developed riverfront area and will improve existing conditions.

The project will convert existing lots into three building lots—two to contain duplexes and one to remain an automotive repair facility—while removing dumped materials, installing stormwater management, and adding native plantings in the outer 200-foot riverfront zone.

Staff reviewed site history, noting an ANRAD filed in February 2020 and that the work lies in the outer 200-foot riverfront area. Staff said the submission was reviewed under 310 CMR 10.585 as work to redevelop a previously developed riverfront area and that the proposed stormwater measures, removal of dumped materials, and native plantings will improve the riverfront compared with existing conditions.

Commissioners asked for clarification on monitoring. A staffer said they had not required a two-year monitoring program because most of the proposed mitigation planting is outside the commission’s jurisdiction; commissioners nevertheless asked the applicant to include monitoring focused on the mitigation plantings. Commissioners discussed a 75 percent survival standard for plantings as the expected performance target.

Staff asked that the commission require a dewatering plan if dewatering becomes necessary during construction. The owner, Steven Wahlberg, will pick up the signed order when it is ready, staff said.

Votes at the meeting: the commission closed the hearing for this project and voted to issue the order of conditions for DEP file 234-945; roll-call votes were recorded as ayes. Staff listed the regulatory basis and monitoring expectations during the discussion; no additional special conditions beyond stormwater controls and the possible dewatering plan were added.

The commission’s decision was framed around the regulatory test for redevelopment of previously developed riverfront area: staff concluded the proposal will not increase degraded area, will locate work farther from the river than existing disturbance, and includes native plantings to improve conditions.","The commission issued an order of conditions for a residential subdivision that will redevelop a previously disturbed riverfront area; commissioners requested a dewatering plan and discussed monitoring of plantings.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6305146,"Needham commission approves exploratory well testing, grants waivers for Charles River wellfield",290,262000,552000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2450372-1a79cc87a364df80c0c1b21fc0bc5e81&start=262&end=552","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2450372-1a79cc87a364df80c0c1b21fc0bc5e81/thumbnail_262000.jpg","/articles/6305146/Town-of-Needham/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Needham-commission-approves-exploratory-well-testing-grants-waivers-for-Charles-River-wellfield","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6305146-3a8d13e1c9c2e6dfabf539fcca764332/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173065&Signature=j3LPFiGS~Oce5Mt~wS29DYDgnXXGED2qFwHnitB~FWm6QOtbaknMGYdGtw3wTFBNWdx74usjd65bCK2xaKNKzZ2O8DP9E3c17HA8TXCKwqBqxm7rsfXvx0aw7OsAaoyQQ7lC6~HeiYrShDcsgWElmxigLIWmu9rawfvVBjcJytzfwB92RfaQ~Z5WkzdWpe5lGVzKrS5q2rzXZH9x9k5w8UCaFIUGnCjLySkmELMbE6uYe3~ruZfC7nRS94R~ZXboHSWiDJUIAtSS6WXgCq57pCZOvZAISor2SdawzAktgj0E8KdEv3mSUDocBZxFk~Ur2stCLjDzPDWV8wR~Cvlw6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Needham Conservation Commission voted Feb. 27 to close a public hearing and issue an order of conditions allowing the town to conduct exploratory drilling for a redundant well at the Charles River Wellfield.

The action matters because the work supports the town’s water-supply planning. Commission members granted waivers for work in bordering land subject to flooding and for the 25-foot and 50-foot buffer zones, and the commission issued an order of conditions for the limited, temporary testing work.

Commission Chair Dave Harrer opened the item and asked staff to summarize the project. A staff member said, “It’s a pretty simple project. The town is trying to come up with a redundant well, at the Charles River Wellfield,” and described three proposed testing locations and temporary access over existing fire roads.

Staff told the commission the disturbance would be minimal and temporary, and that access would use existing roads some of which lie within 25- and 50-foot buffer zones but would not involve new clearing in those buffers. The project was described as a utility limited project; if the first test location proves promising the town will not pursue the other two locations.

The commission voted to allow three waivers—work in bordering land subject to flooding and the two buffer zones—and to issue the order of conditions. The commission also asked that the town submit the standard certificate-of-compliance form when the testing is complete; staff noted that because the filing is a town project there is no filing fee. Commissioners recorded their votes by roll call.

Votes at the Feb. 27 meeting:
- Motion to close the hearing for 914 Charles River Street: approved by roll call (ayes recorded).
- Motion to grant waivers for work in bordering land subject to flooding and the 25-foot and 50-foot buffer zones: approved by roll call (ayes recorded).
- Motion to issue an order of conditions for 914 Charles River Street (DEP file 234-944): approved by roll call (ayes recorded).

The commission noted that if the town seeks a permanent well at the site it would return to the commission for additional review and permitting. No further special conditions beyond standard erosion controls and submission of the certificate-of-compliance were imposed for the temporary testing work.","The Needham Conservation Commission closed the hearing and issued an order of conditions plus waivers for exploratory drilling at the Charles River Wellfield, approving temporary access and testing at three proposed locations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission discusses Needham Land Trust arrangements and Wellesley Land Trust monitoring for Cartwright Road property

Needham commission schedules public hearing on regulation update, discusses hybrid-meeting requirements

Needham conservation commission, Rotary consider trail-step repairs at Ridge (Bridal) Hill; members favor finished trail steps

Commission approves order of conditions for redevelopment at 40 Highland Avenue/1416 Riverside Drive

Needham commission approves exploratory well testing, grants waivers for Charles River wellfield