A developer proposing to subdivide two parcels off Scripps Lane in Mason has made concessions to protect old-growth trees on the property, after hearing concerns from the Conservation Commission.
The proposal, currently under review by the Planning Board, was reviewed and then continued until April 27 during the Planning Board’s meeting on Wednesday.
As proposed, the subdivision would include a lot-line adjustment between two properties, the larger of which would then be subdivided into three building lots, and two pieces of property conveyed to the town, one for conservation and one for a turnaround on Scripps Lane.
The developer has proposed building an 800-foot cul-de-sac road, with the four buildable lots on it. The developer would offer the road to the town, under the proposed name of Twig Lane.
The Planning Board reviewed the plans Wednesday, in a hearing continued from February, but did not make a decision or offer major points of correction for the next meeting. The plans are still under review by the town’s engineer, and the board is awaiting approval of the plans before moving forward.
One amendment made to the plans was a proposed note to provide extra protection for black gum and red maples on the buildable lots. Black gum populations in New Hampshire tend to grow in swampy areas, and can date back to before the American Revolution.
Developers met with the Conservation Commission March 29 to discuss the trees, which are not on the 7-acre piece of conservation property being offered to the town, but are still of interest to the Conservation Commission for preservation. The developer proposed a note to add to the plans to allow a biannual inspection of the black gum trees by the Conservation Commission, and that any cutting of them was to be done under best forestry management practices.
Liz Fletcher, a member of the Conservation Commission, proposed alternate language, asking the protected flora to be identified as “black gum/red maple basin swamps,” and to add language to restrict cutting to only when trees present a danger of falling.
The Planning Board is scheduled to continue reviewing the plans on April 27 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.