Minutes
Re: #187 Umpawaug Road, Redding
Site Walk Minutes – 4:30pm, Sunday, May 4, 2014
Re: Proposed Planting plan at property line and within town right of way
Attending:
For the Planning Commission: Toby Welles, Anda Cumings, Nancy King.
Agent For The Applicant: Mr. Andrew Brodtman, Landscape Designer, Twombly Nursery.
Also present: Susan Green, neighbor.
We surveyed the location of the proposed planting bed, which Mr. Brodtman marked with flags. Mr. Brodtman discussed the proposed plantings and specific locations of shrubs and trees. A number of existing trees within the town right of way were also flagged for potential removal. Some of these trees were failing, some in good condition. Mr. Brodtman stated that the purpose of potential tree removal was to allow additional light to penetrate down to the proposed plantings.
The commission also viewed the property on the applicant side of the property line and noted that significant light and space existed to allow for a healthy screening. Also noting the location of grazing for animals would necessitate a fence to protect any screening.
It was observed that the existing driveway and entry piers into the property were removed and replaced with sod and the entry to the property was redirected through a more southerly existing driveway.
The commission observed the existing conditions of the right of way lawn area. All agreed that the presence of a mulched decorative, ornamental planting bed was not appropriate within the town right of way. The possibility of a simple plant list of native shrubs and trees at a specified distance of about 10 -12 feet from the property line into the town right of way could be discussed at the next meeting. All agreed that the commission could discuss the creation of a list of native trees and shrubs appropriate for planting along Redding roadsides for a companion reference to the Redding stone walls document.
Submitted 5/6/14 by Nancy King Redding Planning Commission