Re: Doeskin 2 - James Hargrove

[GeraldHarting]

Dear Jim:

Thank you for your extensive testimony on what is occuring on Lot 7A as well as some history and opinions from your perspective.

I too stayed home from work on Friday August 2nd and had many people at my home who observed the careful work of Mr. Antico.  My brother-in-law and I personally stood at the corner of my property line and took digital pictures of the filling, as well as the rocks rolling down the hill towards my property.  None reached my property, most were "smaller" and I believe this is inevitable in a filling and grading operation.  With care, no large rocks will roll down in an uncontrolled manner as was the case in the past.  (You and I both have photographs of those incidents).

HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT MY CORE ISSUE.  I HAVE REPEATEDLY STATED CHANGES IN THE DRAINAGE ONTO MY PROPERTY AND THE CONTENT OF ANY SUCH DRAINAGE ARE MY KEY CONCERNS.  I am deeply concerned the temporary drainage swale that Chris installed after filling the lot in the year 2000 will be covered over.  It works to protect my property from major changes in runoff that occured right after the filling took place on Lot 7A.

I am glad you have worked out a cooperation and plan with Chris and Mr. Antico regarding the filling, grading and building on Lot 7A that will help minimize the impact to your property and your Japanese Garden motif around your pool.   I am interested in learning more about your statement in your August 4th e-mail: ..."I also agreed with Chris to contribute to
the cost of a stone laborer in the contsruction of any walls."...

Jim, the statement in my e-mail of August 2 to Mr. Jay Grande was not intended to indicate you were getting anything you were not entitiled to, and I was getting something less, only that the filling and grading Plan was being implemented.  The Site Plan I have seen, and the meeting you and I had with Chris indicated he was NOT going to follow the plan, but devise another with different grading and an interchange of houses.  This would allow a smoother, shallower transition in grade between your property and Lot 7A.  Good for you, and no problem from my side.

In the end, when Doeskin II is completed and the Corporation and individuals behind it disappear, as has beent he case in the past, what grade, landscaping and drainage issues I will end up with remains to be seen.  These should be the result of a good Plan that is followed and maintained for the long term benefit of the abutters, the Town of Framingham and the environment, NOT some undocumented cooperation and good will of the developer.

Sincerely,

Gerald Harting
46 Carter Drive  (508) 877-5930