The Town of Norwood Conservation Commission voted to issue an order of conditions for a proposed single-family residence at Lot 9, Sumner Street (DEP 251-0574), approving mitigation measures after public concerns about neighborhood flooding.

The commission’s approval follows a presentation by Matt Smith, an engineer with Nolan Engineering Company, who said the house and pavement were placed outside the 100-foot buffer and the 200-foot river zone and that the developed portion of the lot would be regraded so stormwater flows toward Sumner Street. “We moved all of the structure and the pavement out of the 100 foot buffer zone and 200 foot river zone,” Smith told the commission.

Why it matters: Neighbors said nearby development has increased runoff and groundwater intrusion in lower-elevation properties. Barbara Gillis, who submitted a written public comment and said she has lived at 81 Union Street for more than 60 years, urged denial. “These wetlands continue to serve their essential purpose, protecting surrounding homes, infrastructure, and wildlife,” Gillis wrote, and warned that clearing and construction would worsen flooding and remove mature trees.

The commission’s approval includes several conditions recommended by the conservation agent: a planting plan emphasizing native species to offset tree and habitat loss; permanent markers delineating the wetland resource area; limits on the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers within the 100-foot buffer (with an exception for lime during initial establishment); restrictions on snow storage and stockpiling of excavated materials near wetlands; and a requirement that the trees designated to be saved be physically marked on the site.

Project details and mitigation: The applicant presented colored plans that showed a 25-foot no-touch buffer, a 50-foot no-structure band and the 200-foot riverfront zone. Smith said the edge of the pavement would be about 85 feet from the wetland and about 185 feet from the river. The plan reduces lawn in the buffer from an earlier 50 feet to a proposed 40 feet and proposes an on-site stormwater infiltration system designed to meet the two-inch recharge standard.

Public oversight and enforcement: Commissioners and staff urged nearby homeowners to document any channelized flows with photos during heavy rainfall so the conservation agent can inspect the site during construction; the agent said she has authority to enter the site and require the applicant to return for enforcement if problems arise. The commission also agreed to contact the town engineer to review the catch basins along Union Street after residents described poor drainage there.

The vote: A motion to issue the order of conditions with the enumerated mitigation and continuing conditions was made and seconded; the commission voted in favor and approved the order.