Where it stands as of Tue, Aug 11
The proposed garage, accessory dwelling unit, and replacement septic system have received the necessary local regulatory approvals. The Conservation Commission approved an Order of Conditions in July 2026 following revisions to the roof-runoff infiltration plan. In August 2026, the Board of Health granted the required setback variances to accommodate expanded system flow despite concerns from the chair about expanding on a constrained lot.
- For Conservation Commission Voted 3-0-1 on July 29, 2026, to issue an Order of Conditions after the applicant revised stormwater drywell plans.
- For Board of Health Voted 2-1 on August 11, 2026, to approve septic setback variances, with the chair dissenting over permitting an expansion on a constrained site.
Votes
| Date | Board | Motion | Result | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board of Health | Approve a variance request for a minimum setback distance of 67 feet for the primary area and 57 feet for the reserve area at 14 Newton Street 14 Newton Street garage and ADU | Passed2-1 | 27:14 | |
| Conservation Commission | Issue an Order of Conditions with general and special conditions for 14 Newton Street 14 Newton Street garage and ADU | Passed3-0-1 | 14:55 | |
| Conservation Commission | Close the public hearing for 14 Newton Street 14 Newton Street garage and ADU | Passed4-0 | 14:12 | |
| Conservation Commission | Continue the public hearing for 14 Newton Street to the next meeting 14 Newton Street garage and ADU | Passed5-0 | 1:00:02 |
Every time it came up newest first
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Septic variance for 14 Newton Street
The applicant requested a variance to replace a failed septic system while increasing flow from three bedrooms to four to accommodate a planned accessory dwelling unit for an elderly relative. The property is heavily constrained by wetlands and a street drainage line that flows toward a reservoir tributary.
- Requested setback reductions from the town storm drain from the required 100 feet down to 67 feet for the primary field and 57 feet for the reserve area.
- Proposed system uses an Eljen geotextile sand filter and an impermeable poly barrier along the street side.
- The homeowner reported past street runoff had flooded the yard and contributed to the original system failure.
- The board chair dissented due to concerns over granting Title 5 variance relief for an expansion rather than a like-for-like repair on a constrained lot.
Outcome: Approved 2-1, with the chair voting in opposition.
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14 Newton Street garage, ADU, and septic Notice of Intent
The commission considered a Notice of Intent for the construction of a detached garage with an accessory dwelling unit, replacement of a septic system, and related site work at 14 Newton Street. The applicant submitted a revised plan adjusting the location of a drywell designed to infiltrate stormwater runoff from the new impervious roof area. With a state DEP file number received and no outstanding questions, the commission voted to close the hearing and issue an Order of Conditions.
- Location: 14 Newton Street (Map 54, Lot 49).
- Applicant: Jamie Falconi.
- Scope includes garage, accessory dwelling unit, septic replacement, and a drywell for roof runoff.
- Drywell is sized to infiltrate at least 1 inch of runoff per square foot of roof.
- Applicant must install erosion controls and request an inspection before starting construction.
Outcome: Public hearing closed and Order of Conditions approved.
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Notice of Intent: 14 Newton Street garage, ADU, and septic
Representative Vito Colonna presented a proposal to construct a three-car garage with an attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU), install a replacement septic system, and perform related site work. Portions of the work are within the 100-foot wetland buffer and 20-foot no-touch buffer, with roof runoff to be mitigated via a drywell system. The hearing was continued pending a DEP file number.
- Location: 14 Newton Street, Map 54, Parcel 49.
- Proposal includes a three-bay garage and attached ADU for family members.
- Proposed new impervious area is approximately 2,090 square feet, mitigated by an infiltration drywell.
- Requires a local Board of Health variance for septic placement due to proximity to drainage tributaries.
- Conservation agent noted existing yard debris in the rear that must be removed.
Outcome: Hearing continued to July 23, 2024.