HomeMy WebLinkAboutHelen Banevicius bogltr.march25.2025 - CopyVia email
March 24, 2025
Hon. F.P. Tom Lee
Chairman
Town of Barnstable Conservation Commission
c/o Edwin.Hoopes@town.barnstable.ma.us
230 South Street
Hyannis MA 02601
Re: Request for Determination of Applicability, filed on March 10. 2025, by Bog Partners LLC for
1246 Bumps River Rd and 0 Marie-Ann Terrace, Centerville, MA Commission File DA-25012,
March 25, 2025
Dear Chairman Lee,
I am writing to express my concern over the proposed change of use of the former
cranberry bog at 1246 Bumps River Rd which abuts my property and is part of my
neighborhood. Please do not forget that the title of this property is not clear and is being
litigated in court. Mr Slater has not made clear what his purpose is to create a wetland
tree farm.
Is this a commercial venture and if so, how is it being conducted? A negative RDA
finding cannot be granted for a wetland unless it is a proven commercial venture. This is
not the same use as prior cranberry farming. Planting trees with large root systems that
suck up water will change the fundamental quality of the bog that is there now. It is a
wetland with a natural stream running through it. Is Mr. Slater’s intention to change the
nature of the wetland by planting these trees so that he gains more upland?
The digging and planting and harvest of live trees will create erosion and much
sediment which will run straight into the Centerville River.
How is the irrigation planning to be handled?
Will herbicides be used to kill existing weeds and what about pesticides being sprayed?
These proposed trees are in close proximity to a heavily populated neighborhood as
well as the issues of runoff. These are just some of the questions needing answers.
In summary, this proposed tree farming is a very different use than that of cranberry
farming, and I urge you to carefully investigate it before granting any approval for this
change of use being proposed. This requires a careful and in-depth study by the
Conservation Commission. A positive determination of finding is called for in this matter.
I do believe the community would still be better served by leaving this as open space
and accessible to the community.
Sincerely,
Helen A. Banevicius
1330 Bumps River Rd
Centerville MA 02632
Cc: Hon. Louise Foster, Vice Chair
Hon. John Abodeely
Hon. William Hearn
Hon. Jeffrey Kaschuluk
Hon. Peter Sampou
Hon. Angela Tangney
Hon. Charles Bloom, Town Council Liaison to the Conservation Commission
Mr. Lev Malakhoff, Chair, Open Space Committee
Mr. Lindsey Counsell, Chair, Community Preservation Committee