Conservation Commission lets Edgewood homeowners cut 14 trees before planting plan filed

WAYLAND — October 19, 2022 — Wayland Conservation Commission breaks precedent to permit 14 tree removals before a planting plan is filed. The panel voted 7-0 on Oct. 19 to let homeowners Mary Magnuson and Steve Murray cut 12 dead or dying trees identified by Lynch Landscaping's arborist plus two additional hazard trees at 5 Edgewood Road, with the replanting plan to follow under specified numerical conditions. Member Barbara Howell called the approach "way out of line" with past practice but voted yes; member Luke Legere drafted the motion, saying he didn't want applicants living "in fear" of trees "crashing down on that roof." Chair Sean Fair stressed the vote sets no precedent because Conservation Administrator Linda Hansen had already inspected the site before her unexpected leave. The commission also issued a Chapter 194 permit for Boston Gas Company to shift a 12-inch main onto a driveway shoulder at 53 Concord Road, approved up to $3,000 from the filing fee fund for Beta Group consultant Jonathan Nero, and continued three certificates tied to the Traditions of Wayland stormwater basin to Nov. 9.