Medford Conservation Commission Approves Route 28 Boardwalk Order of Conditions

MEDFORD -- January 8, 2025, Medford Conservation Commission approves Route 28 boardwalk order and demands redesign of Winford Way project. The commission voted five to zero on January 8 to issue an order of conditions for the City of Medford's pedestrian pathway and boardwalk project beneath the Fellsway Route 28 bridge, DEP File 215-0240, requiring the applicant to submit a draft operation and maintenance plan to Conservation Agent Dennis two weeks before construction begins, with individual commissioner review to follow without a public hearing. Chair Heidi Wickstrom recused herself from that vote, as she had at the December 18 hearing. The commission then voted six to zero to continue the notice of intent for 53 Winford Way, DEP File 215-0241, to January 22, directing applicant Adam Marchionda of Marchionda and Associates to revise plans to include a retaining wall pulling grading at least 10 feet from wetland flag 4A, DEP wetland data sheets from the delineating firm believed to be Norse Environmental, a native vegetation plan for disturbed areas, and a written narrative from the wetland scientist addressing 310 CMR 10.03(1)(a)(3). Commission member Jeremy warned that grading within two feet of the wetland line "will result in alteration" based on his 40 years of professional experience. Abutters Ann and Warren Malatesta of 51 Winford Way attended to question the wetland boundary location and the rationale for the proposed house placement.