Residents near Great Brook will soon see a long-neglected property at 10 Park Street transformed into a modern residence following the Conservation Commission’s endorsement of a specialized wastewater treatment plan. Joe Webby of Webby Engineering presented a proposal to replace a very bad disrepair and not livable dwelling with a new home utilizing the existing footprint. To protect the sensitive connection between Furnace Pond and Olden Pond, Webby detailed a plan to elevate the septic system and the house by six feet to account for a high water table.

A key component of the project is the installation of a Micro-Fast residential treatment system for denitrification. Webby explained that the technology involves a blower adding oxygen 24/7 to agitate the system and remove nitrates before the liquid enters the leaching field. R. Madden inquired about site logistics and the impact on existing vegetation, asking, Is the driveway impervious? Are they removing that big pine tree and taking the shed down? Webby confirmed the sheds would be removed and all debris trucked out due to limited staging space, noting that the driveway would be resurfaced after the construction loam is brought in.

The hearing faced a brief procedural hurdle when a board member noted the item was missing from the night’s printed agenda. I'm just concerned that this would be an Open Meeting Law violation, she noted, emphasizing that the purpose of the agenda is to notify the entire public. Chair A. Egerton clarified that the hearing was a continuation of a previously opened matter, stating, The entire town was noticed through the legal ad in the Patriot Ledger. Property owner Ruth Pinkham attended to ensure the approval covered both the residence and the septic upgrades. A. Egerton confirmed the order covers all work within the buffer zone, though the owners must still secure standard building permits.

Motion Made by R. Madden to close the hearing for 10 Park Street. Motion Passed (Unanimous). Subsequently, Motion Made by R. Madden to issue an Order of Conditions requiring the project to follow the submitted plans. Motion Passed (Unanimous).

The Commission also reviewed a vision for the future of 160 Scusset Street, where the North and South Rivers Watershed Association (NSRWA) plans to establish a permanent River Center. James Garfield of Morris Engineering outlined a redevelopment plan for the 13.75-acre commercial site that prioritizes ecological sensitivity. The proposal includes two rain gardens to capture runoff from existing gravel parking areas, pervious paver patios, and the installation of two composting toilets. When asked about the necessity of the outdoor facilities, Garfield explained that the composting units are intended to be sensitive to the environment in keeping with the organization’s mission.

NSRWA Executive Director Samantha Woods provided a long-term outlook for the property, noting that the move-in date is targeted for 2028 or 2029 to allow for significant fundraising. The idea is to build a River Center to support our existing programs and expand outdoor education, Woods said, adding that the goal is to ensure the next generation has a place to learn about the watershed. Motion Made by an unidentified member to continue the 160 Scusset Street hearing. Motion Passed (Unanimous).

In other business, the board delayed a hearing for 260 Washington Street as peer reviews remain outstanding. Motion Made by an unidentified member to continue the hearing for 260 Washington Street to December 4. Motion Passed (Unanimous). Members also approved the September meeting minutes. Motion Made by A. Wendell to approve the September minutes. Motion Passed (Unanimous).