Growth and development in Shirley impacted significantly on the Conservation Commission in 1988. At year's end the Commission had reviewed 13 requests for verification of wetland boundary delineations. These included the proposed waste-to-energy site, private dwellings, herbicide spraying along the railroad tracks, 4 multi-unit housing developments, and 2 junkyards.
In addition, wetland permits (Orders of Conditions) were written for 27 applications for work in wetlands areas or buffer zones, specifically 15 private dwellings, 8 industrial locations, and 4 subdivisions.
Nine enforcement orders were issued in response to filling or alteration of wetlands. Applications for work conducted or proposed on these properties are now on file with the Commission. One application resulted in the drafting by the Commission of a complex Order of Conditions which included a complete wetlands restoration plan.
A new Open Space and Recreation Plan was developed for 1988-1993 and accepted at Town Meeting. In assuming responsibility for its completion, Lynn Gresock proceeded to update the plan's mapping and goals, review the accomplishments of the 1982-1987 plan, and provide additional comments on open space resources and options available to the citizens of Shirley. Two public information meetings were held during preparation of the plan. The Commission was awarded a $1,500 grant from The Middlesex Soil Conservation District, covering all expenses in the revision of the Plan and thereby precluding any need for addition funding from the Town.
In an effort to bring many of our open files to completion, 17 Certificates of Compliance were issued after a final inspection by the Commission in response to our request for project status. Additionally, building permits for 51 lot sites were reviewed and approved by the Commission.
Workshops and seminars presented by the Department of Environmental Quality Engineering (DEQE) and Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) were attended along with in-house workshops developed and presented by Betsy Colburn for the Commission; these covered a variety of wetlands topics.
Comments were requested of the Commission by various departments and boards on a variety of projects with potential wetlands impacts, and the Commission responded. In response to requests from outside sources, comments were written on surface water quality standards, solid waste, low income housing, and vegetation management.
In December, volunteers from Shirley Boy Scout Troop 7 offered to revitalize the trails at Fredonian Park. We hope their enthusiasm for protecting our conservation areas sparks renewed interest throughout the town.
Respectfully submitted,