Medford Conservation Commission Issues Three RDA Decisions at August Remote Meeting

MEDFORD -- August 4, 2021, Medford Conservation Commission issues two negative and one positive wetlands determination at August 4 remote meeting. The commission cleared invasive bittersweet removal at McDonald Park and Riverbend Park by the Mystic River Watershed Association, issuing a Negative Determination Number Two valid for three years, noting the project as a two-year volunteer maintenance program. A Negative Determination Number Two was also issued for most of the Winthrop Street Community Garden's improvement plan, covering a pergola enlargement to roughly 10 feet 3 inches by 14 feet 3 inches and a Belgard permeable-paver accessibility pathway, but commissioners struck a proposed 60-foot interlocking stone wall from the scope, saying no definitive plan or materials specification had been submitted for a structure located within bordering land subject to flooding. At 74-76 High Street, where owner Michael Serabian seeks to remove large invasive trees leaning toward the Mystic River bank, commissioners issued a Positive Determination Number Three, finding the work would directly alter a protected resource area and requiring a Notice of Intent with stabilization and planting plans before any tree removal may begin.