Sample Projects

The following are summaries of sample projects. Each project is crafted with a client’s particular goals and ideas in mind. Summaries provided here represent a sampling among a diverse range of projects undertaken in conjunction with numerous clients. Clients include land owners, neighborhoods, businesses, consulting firms, towns and public agencies, and land trusts.

1. Convert Historic Barn to Single Family Residence in the Riverfront Area and Buffer Zone/Subdivide Property to Obtain Additional, Market Lot [Click image at right for slideshow.]
   Conduct field and document research, including deed, file and historic collections at town offices and local library. Analyze and prepare summary of regulatory/zoning permits required. Identify owner options/develop timeline/present schematic plans/write feasibility report. Project work: Prepare draft scopes and assist to select: project architect, surveyor and engineer. Assist in neighbor relations (correspondence/meetings). Field work: delineate wetland and riverfront resource areas, including: mean annual high water, identify hydric soils/prepare field data sheets. Prepare written wetland report. Coordinate work of architect, surveyor and engineer. Manage project permitting and site plan development. Prepare/submit Notice of Intent application. Prepare/submit Special Permit application (Wetland and Floodplain Conservancy overlay districts). Design second lot. Support land surveyor in preparing ANR Plan. Assist project attorney as required throughout. Represent owner before the Conservation Commission, and in conjunction with attorney, present project to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board. Obtain all approvals. [Barn conversion and residential construction complete 2007.]
2. Residential Renovation/Addition to Historic Single Family Home
   Delineate wetland resources, including riverfront area and buffer zone. Support and assist project architect in design and site plan development. Assist surveyor and sanitarian in preparation of the proposed site and design plans. Coordinate submissions to Board of Heath and Conservation Commission. Prepare/submit Notice of Intent application. Prepare/submit application under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act/obtain approval. Attend series of public hearings/represent owner. Provide draft conditions of approval to the authority for their consideration, and, obtain approval (Order of Conditions). Record the Order at the Registry. [Project construction in 2007.]
3. Conduct Feasibility Study for Federal Agency for Proposed Regional Visitor Center
   Investigate & analyze three different sites within established criteria for potential siting of new regional visitor center. Conduct field and document research. Identify legal and regulatory constraints/opportunities. Prepare comprehensive summary report. Present and field review report findings with agency. [Outcome: Option implemented by the Agency 2006]
4. Assist Neighborhood Group to Respond to Proposed Development
   Work with neighborhood leaders to identify strategy and approach. Analyze project site. Identify neighborhood interests and potential impacts. Review documents, including: site plans, technical memorandum, and correspondence. Attend and lead neighborhood meetings. Prepare and submit written comments to the record. Represent neighborhood at Planning Board meeting. Assist neighborhood in negotiations with developer. [Outcome: Project adopted some of the neighborhood recommendations.]
5. Open Space Subdivision Design and Approval
   Work with a family trust, perform comprehensive land analysis on 65 acre parcel, including: identify development constraints and lands of conservation interest. Work with estate and tax attorneys to arrive at family consensus on land to be preserved and land to be developed. Design/submit and obtain approval for preliminary subdivision plan from the Planning Board. Plan included: first innovative storm-water design approved by the town, site-specific building envelopes and defined view sheds, lot-specific deed restrictions, and, wildlife habitat protection zones. Work with real estate professionals to analyze project benefits/opportunities. On behalf of owner, design definitive subdivision plan, hire and manage engineering and surveying firm, obtain approval from Conservation Commission & Planning Board. Implementation: develop project scope with trust attorneys, assist in developer selection, oversee project construction, start to finish. [Subdivision/Lot sale and Home construction complete.]

"The power of imagination makes us infinite."

John Muir