Country Club Makes Changes, Wetlands Protection Requests Alternatives

Neighbors expressed feelings of frustration at the lengthy process.

The Wetlands Protection Committee's latest meeting regarding the proposed facilities on Wellesley Country Club land was described by some neighbors as anywhere from "frustrating" to "inadequate." At least from the perspective of people living near Brookside Road. "We were presented material that helps us make a decision," said Committee chair Eric Seaborn. "We're moving forward with a timetable." The purpose of the meeting was largely to discuss findings made by Beals and Thomas (B+T), third party consultants hired by the town to peer review the plans filed by the Club's consultant Coneco Engineering and Scientists. Before B+T representatives were asked to speak, Mike Toohill of Coneco presented updated plans for the maintenance facility …

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Country Club Issued Cease and Desist by Wetlands Protection Committee

WPC takes "middle path" in dealing with violations.

Before the Wetlands Protection Committee's (WPC) regular Dec. 10 meeting, they set aside time to discuss a site visit assessing some alleged violations at the Wellesley Country Club. WPC Chair Eric Seaborn noted, "We determined not to make decisions at the site, we would do so at a public meeting."  Their initial findings did not see anything glaring. If they had noticed a significant violation while they were on site, the Committee is permitted to take some actions. No immediate action was taken. However, for other discussions the group needs to discuss their site visit in a public meeting. "We all agreed it was a bit unkempt, but the club is going to do something about that," noted WPC member Stanley Waugh.  The Club agreed to repair …

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Wetlands Protection Committee Continues Country Club Debate

Wetlands Protection Committee meets to continue discussion of Wellesley Country Club projects.

A large number of neighbors turned out for the Wetlands Protection Committee (WPC) meeting, despite many being at the high school's Back to School night. This was the second meeting on proposed projects at Wellesley Country Club which border Brookside road.  The facilities, mentioned at the previous meeting, are a comfort station and bulk materials storage area, an equipment storage facility, and an environmental management center. Only the first two sites are within the jurisdiction of the Wetlands Protection Act (WPA). Returning to answer questions, Mike Toohill of Coneco Engineers and Scientists.  The bulk material facility will store things like sand, loam, divot mix and stones used in maintaining the course. According to Toohill, it …

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Wetlands Protection Committee Follows up with DPW, Morses Pond Dredging

WPC hears back from Department of Public Works about Recycling Center issue.

After the Mass Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) claimed the compost heap at the Department of Public Works (DPW) Recycling Center is encroaching on nearby wetlands, the DPW hired a consultant to determine whether that's the case.  To that end, the Wetlands Protection Committee issued an enforcement order, which was addressed at a previous meeting. On Thursday, representatives of the DPW returned to report their findings to the Wetlands Protection Committee (WPC). By the DEP's estimate, the center has filled 7,500 square feet of wetlands, while the DPW puts that estimate around 410. DPW officials returned to present the findings of Steve Ivas, of Ivas Environmental, which is in line with the DPW's estimate.  The State has …

Wellesley Country Club Plans Three Buildings Near Wetlands

Wetlands Protection Committee reviews one building, pushes two others to a later date.

Several neighbors and abutters to the Wellesley Country Club came to express concerns about the club's proposed projects near Brookside Road during the regular Wetlands Protection Committee (WPC) meeting. Mike Toohill of Coneco presented the three projects proposed on behalf of the Country Club. Because the site of the meeting, the Wellesley Library, closes at 9 p.m. Thursdays, the presentation covered just one of the three projects: A 90 ft. by 90 ft. bulk goods storage area, and a "comfort station" containing restrooms and a lightning shelter. Bulk goods include mulch, sand, and similar materials - not fertilizer or pesticide. The latter is beyond the 100-foot riverfront buffer zone, while a small portion of the former is within 25 feet …

Wetlands Protection Committee Discusses Gas Main, Guinea Fowl

Plans to repair Walnut Street gas main, drainage plan at 205 Cliff Road approved.

During the Public Voice segment of the Aug. 4 Wetlands Protection Committee (WPC) meeting, Robert Connor brought up an interesting topic - ticks and Guinea Fowl. Prior to the purchase of some unique new pets, his back yard was plagued with ticks. Each outing would come back with one or two bloodsucking hitchhikers. A little research quickly brought to light a natural solution, and the tick's worst enemy: the Guinea Fowl. These small birds actually feed on the small bugs, known for carrying Lyme disease. Since bringing these animals into his yard, he's noted a drastic decrease in the number of the pests.  The committee switched gears, and heard from the middle school's Director of Performing Arts, Elizabeth Perry, hoping to install some …