The Northampton Conservation Commission on Oct. 9 reviewed a Request for Determination of Applicability submitted by Douglas Thayer for tree removal within the 200-foot riverfront buffer of the Mill River at a residential parcel on Grove Street in the Leeds neighborhood. The commission voted to issue a determination allowing the proposed removals, subject to conditions intended to protect the riverfront and remaining trees.

Thayer told the commission the application requests permission to remove four trees in the 200-foot riverfront buffer to accommodate a proposed single-story house with a walkout basement. He said two of the trees are unhealthy or leaning toward the proposed house and that trees to be removed would be taken down by crane and limb-by-limb staging; root systems were to remain in place rather than being grubbed out. Thayer said there are no wetlands on the parcel and that the owner will connect to city sewer and water.

Commissioners asked about protecting the roots of trees that remain during construction; staff recommended placing temporary erosion controls at a line five feet beyond the 200-foot riverfront buffer (i.e., at 205 feet from the riverbank) to provide extra protection for root systems on the sloped site. The commission also added a condition that downed trees and woody material remain on site and that root systems be left in place where trees are removed.

During the discussion the applicant confirmed that an accessory dwelling unit shown on a plan was not part of the application and that any future additional development would require a separate submission to the commission. The commission voted to issue the determination and attached two specific conditions: the trees may be cut but not grubbed (roots to remain and downed material to be left on site), and erosion controls shall be set at 205 feet from the riverbank. Commissioners recorded affirmative votes (Beth: yes; Melissa: yes; Downey: yes; Ian Mason: yes).

The commission’s action addresses only the narrow question of whether the proposed tree removals in the riverfront buffer require further permitting; it does not approve building permits or other zoning approvals for the proposed house.