CONSERVATION COMMISSION LETTER

July 25,2002

Joan Bennett, Chairperson

Manchester Planning Board

One City Hall Plaza

Manchester, NH 03101

 

Subject: Waterford Development Corp., Hackett Hilll

Dear Ms. Bennett:

The agenda of the Planning Board (Board) shows that the single-family homes subdivision by Waterford Development Corporation (Waterford) on Hackett Hill is to be discussed on Thursday, July 25. The Conservation Commission (Commission) wishes to make the Board aware of certain outstanding issues regarding this development.

  • Wetlands Mapping - The Commission believes that there may be unmapped wetlands on the property that could be impacted by development. Our concerns on this issue were presented at the Planning Board's meeting on June 20, 2002. We request that an independent third party review this matter before the Planning Board approves any plans. The Conservation Commission hired Chris Danforth of Shauer Environmental to perform a site investigation of the unmapped wetland area. On July 24, 2002 Mr. Danforth performed a site investigation and in his opinion one of the sites the Commission identified is in fact a wetland. His findings would change the wetland setback for 3 to 4 lots.

 

  • Commission Comments - After reviewing the plans and meeting with Waterford on May 2, 2002, the Commission submitted a list of comments and questions to Waterford. We have not received responses to the bulk of these questions, and revised plans have not been submitted. The Commission requests that these issues be resolved before the Planning Board approves the plans.

 

  • Other Issues - The Commission has heard from a variety of groups with regard to the land proposed for development, including the NH Natural Heritage Inventory and UNH Manchester, and "other concerned citizens." It has become clear to us that there is not enough known about the impacts this development will have on the unique environment of the Hackett Hill Conservation Lands. The Commission requests that these issues be investigated in the form of an Environmental Impact Statement before the Board approves the plans. The Commission has undertaken a "Prime Wetlands Study" of the entire city which includes this area, and expects the results of this study in August, 2002.

 

  • NHDES Wetland Permits - The Manchester Highway Department has informed the Conservation Commission that the modular retaining wall SEA planned to use has been rejected. The alternatives would likely result in additional wetland impact. The Conservation has yet to see plans of this revision, including the limit of disturbance required for construction. The wetland impact permit application pending with the NHDES reflects the modular construction and will need to be updated.

    Thank you for your consideration,

     

    Michael Poisson

    Manchester Conservation Commission, Chairman

    cc: Terry Harlacher, Planning Department

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