Planning board approves limited tree removals at 146 Claybrook Road with replanting conditions

The Dover Planning Board voted on June 29 to approve staff‑recommended conditions allowing removal of trees at 146 Claybrook Road, while requiring replacement plantings and coordination with conservation and tree officials.

Town planner Melissa (staff) reviewed the application and photographic inventory, saying the property (2.72 acres, R1 with parts in a groundwater district) had previously been before the board in 2015 and 2020. She identified trees numbered 1–8 on the applicant’s materials and said trees 1, 2, 3 and a large dead trunk (number 5) were cited primarily for sight lines or because they were dead; trees 4, 6, 7 and 8 were raised as utility‑clearance concerns. Melissa told the board that the applicant had supplied required application materials and that conservation‑area work will also require separate filings with the conservation commission.

Board members pressed staff and the applicant on prior mitigation: Melissa said records did not confirm all previously required replacement plantings were installed. Applicant Lynn Hawkins replied, “The two trees that we required to plant has not been planted. We have ordered the trees and a landscaper is going to plant them next month,” and offered to provide photos to confirm planting.

Melissa urged a cautious approach to utility‑related removals: “The applicant shall reach out to the utility company,” she said, recommending pruning and coordination with DPW rather than full removals where feasible. The tree warden, Kevin McCabe, had provided comments and a site visit memorandum to staff in advance.

After discussion the board agreed to require a minimum of three replacement trees, plotted and staked for inspection, and to give the conservation commission and the tree warden authority to confirm appropriate siting given riverfront and floodplain constraints. The board passed the motion to accept staff conditions by roll call (Katie Williams: yes; Eric Abberali: yes; Valin: yes; Chair Carol: yes).

Next steps: the applicant must submit the replacement planting plan and obtain any conservation‑commission approvals required for work in the riverfront area. The hearing was closed and the decision recorded; staff will monitor installation and documentation of the required plantings.