Members of the Southwick Conservation Commission listen as Department of Public Works Director Jeffrey Neece updates the group on a project last night. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
SOUTHWICK – The Conservation Commission continued a hearing last night for an addition and retaining wall replacement at 17 North Road.
Jon Goddard of R. Levesque Associates showed the commission updated plans, which call for the use of a new product.
“We’re proposing to use vinyl sheet pilings,” said Goddard.
The pilings will be used instead of steel in the new retaining wall. Goddard said they are placed six feet in the ground and because of the vibration of the machinery used to install them, hay bales will be placed along the water to keep any debris from going into the lake.
“That seems like a good alternative,” said Conservation Coordinator Dennis Clark.
The vinyl pilings are as supportive as steel at one-third the cost.
“If this works out it will be amazing,” said Clark.
Goddard requested a continuance to finalize plans. He said the homeowner hopes to begin the work in March.
Also during last night’s meeting, Clark offered an update on the Depot Street condominium project. He said R. Levesque Associates was asked to sign off on an “as good or better statement.” However, they do not want to because of issues at the site.
“He didn’t want to put his company’s name on the line,” Clark said of Robert Levesque.
Clark said one of the main issues was with concrete used on site.
“I saw a red flag when I found out they used the wrong cement,” said Clark. “When the (Halloween) storm came through, it blew out the pipes and footings.”
Clark was asked how Levesque could know what is used.
“The builder is supposed to call him for an inspection, but did not,” Clark said.
The project is continuing.
