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.