Medford Conservation Commission Advises High Street Owner to Split Tree, Dock Filings

MEDFORD -- August 18, 2021, Medford Conservation Commission advises High Street property owner to separate tree and dock filings. At an informal August 18 pre-filing session, commissioners guided Michael Serabian, owner of 74-76 High Street, through plans to remove trees and stabilize a roughly six-foot riverbank along the Mystic River before a formal Notice of Intent is submitted. Landscape consultant Alan of Medford Landscaping described a native planting plan centered on switchgrass for slope stabilization, with native asters along the upper bank, and two to three yards of organic loam fill around retained stumps, all consistent with the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management coastal species list. Commissioners and staff member Dennis recommended filing the tree removal and landscaping work separately from a proposed seasonal dock, citing the added complexity of securing approval from both the city's harbor master, a position recently filled by a Police Department sergeant after roughly five years vacant, and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, which owns the Mystic River at that location.