Commission agrees to exploratory outreach with Winchester about Woburn parcel; asks applicant at 78 Lowell Street to file RDA

Winchester has approached the Rubin Conservation Commission about a preliminary, exploratory conversation concerning a parcel behind the Winning Farm that borders land in both Woburn and Winchester. Commissioners discussed options — a joint meeting of both commissions, a smaller exploratory meeting, or a site visit — and agreed it would be premature to advertise a joint public meeting. Instead, members asked that one or two commissioners make initial contact, with the new commissioner volunteering to lead outreach and report back.

On a separate agenda item, staff distributed plans for an addition at 78 Lowell Street and asked whether the commission wanted to sign off or require a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA). Commissioners concluded the structure appears within jurisdictional buffer areas and directed staff to have the applicant file an RDA; the RDA will come back to a future meeting for formal review.