Boxborough ConCom Continues School Playground Hearing, Eyes February Order of Conditions

BOXBOROUGH -- January 15, 2025, Boxborough Conservation Commission continued two active wetland hearings and approved two trail segments at its January 15 meeting. The commission continued a Notice of Intent hearing for a playground renovation at the Route 493 school site to February 5 at 7:45 p.m., after receiving a MassWildlife determination that the project is exempt from MESA review and does not adversely affect rare wildlife habitat; a draft order of conditions is expected at that session if the commission's consultant, Places, completes its review in time. A second hearing, for a commercial development at 340 Codman Road involving retaining walls and a turtle nesting area, was also continued to February 5 at 7:35 p.m., with the engineer reporting that all conservation issues have been resolved and a draft order expected pending Planning Board action on February 3. The commission announced a special meeting for January 22 at 7:30 p.m. to delineate wetland boundaries at the current Burroughs Road fire station site, a step the Fire Station Building Committee needs before evaluating the location as a new station alternative; the chair stated the commission's role would be strictly limited to identifying wetland boundaries. The commission also unanimously approved a proposed Perkins Woods trail segment to the Rolling Meadows border and authorized clearing of a Rolling Meadows trail connection pending installation of a stream-crossing boardwalk.