Developer offers restoration plan after unpermitted clearing on Peters Lane; commission to allow staff sign-off

Nicholas Owen, a land-development consultant, presented a written restoration plan for tree removals on Peters Lane after a cease-and-desist was issued for clear cutting without a permit. Owen said the original approved subdivision plan included some tree removals for sight lines, but other removals lacked permits. He proposed replacing substantive removed trees with approximately 12 larger specimen trees and posting a per-tree bond as required by the town.

Commissioners asked for specifics about the number of trees removed and the replacement caliper. Owen said the plan calls for typical caliper sizes (about 2 to 2.5 inches) and that the town's standard bond is $500 per tree to cover purchase, planting and one year of maintenance before bond release. Kelly indicated she has not yet reviewed the plan and recommended staff review it before the commission acts.

Given that, commissioners agreed to allow Kelly to approve the restoration plan administratively after her review, rather than requiring the applicant to return to the full commission. The commission emphasized the bond and one-year maintenance requirement would remain in place.