In the July 1 meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission at the Police Station, Chair John Rockwell characterized progress on various projects as “slow,” but said, “The wheels are turning.”
MOSAC is involved in several areas around Marion, and the nature of that involvement seems to change with every location.
In his Point Road Path Update, Rockwell said he and member Amanda Chace recently visited the site that was originally staked out to mark a proposed route between Joanne Drive and Jenna Drive that has since been altered.
The alterations are meant to reduce the number of trees needing removing that, with a crane and a tree removal service, would cost MOSAC approximately $2,000 per tree.
“We decided to look again,” said Rockwell, noting that of the 60 stakes placed every 50 feet, the 11th through the 19th stakes were rerouted to avoid taking some of the trees in the way of the original path. “We figured on five trees that would be over 24 inches (in diameter), and it might be more than that.”
Before doing any fiscal work, Rockwell said MOSAC has to have at least half of the tree clearing completed.
The Point Road Path can be divided into two sections – one between Creek Road and Joanne Drive, and the other between Joanne Drive and Jenna Drive. The section between Joanne Drive and Jenna Drive is mostly on property controlled by MOSAC or in the town’s layout of Point Road (not needing permissions). The project portion from Joanne Drive to Creek Road includes approximately half in the road layout and half encroaching on an easement involving seven property owners and the original developer for a bike path.
The project also requires a permit from the town’s Conservation Commission. Rockwell had applied to the ConCom, but said the Select Board got involved and, after fact finding, made it a DPW matter.
Rockwell said the town-hired engineer deemed the project appropriate for a Notice of Intent filing with the ConCom. Further DPW questions about load bearing and specifications prompted Rockwell to consult with former MOSAC member Jeffrey Oakes so he can redraw the plans.
Calling the gravel and processed stone area “a glorified driveway,” Rockwell said that a Planning Board subcommittee estimated $80,000 in engineering and permitting costs. “We didn’t have it in our budget because we thought we could do it,” he said, noting that the number is about right. “It’s not an insurmountable thing, it’s just a time thing.”
The entire budget for the Point Road Path is approximately $250,000.
In reporting on a meeting with Marion DPW Director Nathaniel Munafo about the 75-acre Great Swamp Conservation Area off Joanne Drive, Rockwell described an access point originally complicated by the placement of a stormwater basin relative to the residential subdivision that resulted in a dike intercepting the path.
Work was done to rectify the potential danger and make the path suitable to foot traffic, but now the mission is to make the path accessible to emergency vehicles. The plan is for Rockwell and Munafo and Jody Dickerson of the DPW to work with Fire Chief Brian Jackvony and formulate a site plan to present to the Conservation Commission, as there are wetlands on either side of the path.
Without a budget line item, Rockwell said MOSAC’s assistance will be limited to project approval and helping secure permitting.
The east-west trail at Goldavitz Bog was also briefly discussed.
The Little Neck Estates village residential project obtained a permit from the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program to build. Although the permit came with the requirement of a conservation restriction, none of the stakeholders were experienced in conservation restrictions, according to Rockwell, who got involved in May 2019. He enlisted the Sippican Lands Trust to hold the CR on the 6.33-acre town-owned property that serves as a wildlife habitat for turtles.
The clerical steps in completing the measure have been bogged down by lack availability of key stakeholders and lack of proper execution with the deed at the Plymouth County level, according to Rockwell, who described it as an endangered species CR for an area with thick vines and poison ivy that is not suited for visitors.
Later in the meeting, Rockwell noted that people have been dumping grass and brush at the Great Swamp property entrance and on other CR properties.
The vacancy created by Oakes will result in advertisement in the local press for new members.
New member Debbie Ewing introduced herself to the commission at the July 1 meeting. A Jenny Lane resident, Ewing told the commission that she has come to Marion her entire life and became a permanent resident in 2013. Since 2015 she has been involved with the turtle habitat in her neighborhood.
Member Casey Gunschel was not present, therefore, lacking a quorum, MOSAC held no votes.
Rockwell encouraged interested listeners to email MOSAC for more information to: openspace@marionma.gov. The next meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission was not scheduled at adjournment.
Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission
By Mick Colageo