Commission prioritizes easement monitoring, calls for clearer boundary delineation and plaque plan

At its Dec. 23 meeting the Manchester Conservation Commission reviewed the year’s easement monitoring work and discussed how to improve monitoring and boundary marking going forward.

Members reported that all but one easement had been updated in 2024; the outstanding parcel (noted as the East Industrial Park/former Raytheon site) needs clarified access and a formal contact. Commissioners said professionally delineated boundary plans and durable placards or plaques make monitoring far more reliable, particularly for easements mapped in the 1980s where markers have deteriorated or been displaced.

Staff described sending an encroachment notice to the Madison Way Condominium Association after observing more extensive clearing than previously permitted; a zoning compliance officer contacted the homeowner and staff will follow up to confirm remediation. Commissioners discussed whether to have a survey firm professionally monitor one or two properties each year while rotating the remainder among volunteer teams, and suggested prioritizing older easements that have fallen out of maintenance.

Commission members also discussed working with the city surveyor and Public Works on city‑owned easements, and the possibility of including durable placarding language in future easement documents so the city has clear rights to re‑mark and inspect boundaries.

Next steps: commission members will obtain maps or plans for the outstanding site, coordinate with staff for access, and consider a schedule and budget for professional monitoring in 2025.