Planning Board approves amended scenic‑roads agreement; requires 30 replacement trees, caliper to be set by tree warden

The Town of Needham Planning Board on April 1 approved an amended scenic‑roads improvement agreement that increases the number of replacement trees associated with the project and delegates final caliper selection to the tree warden.

Planning staff said the town had proposed tree plantings tied to a scenic‑roads project. The applicant (Public Works) previously indicated a 2‑for‑1 replacement approach and represented it would plant a total equal to a 2‑for‑1 replacement, with some new trees possibly planted elsewhere in town. Board members noted the draft agreement originally said 15 new trees in one clause; the board amended that clause to require 30 new trees to reflect the 2‑for‑1 commitment.

Board members also directed the removal of the word “other” from paragraph 4 of the agreement so the damage‑repair clause reads that any damage to private property will be restored — a technical wording change the board said clarified responsibility when removal or planting work affects adjacent property.

The board left a final caliper specification blank pending the tree warden’s recommendation; the motion adopted states the caliper will be “as agreed by the tree warden.” Planning staff said the agreement coordinates planting locations with the tree warden and the tree board. The board voted to approve the amended agreement by voice vote and authorized signatures to be completed after the caliper is entered.

The transcript shows the motion as: “Agree to this agreement with the town with the additional changes as follows: (1) in paragraph 2, the number of trees to be installed will be replaced from 15 to 30; (2) the caliper of the tree will be as agreed by the tree warden; and (3) remove the word ‘other’ where it appears.” The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.