GEORGETOWN – While the left hand is all concerned with $48.83 in wrongly submitted mileage reimbursements over a 10-month period (see prior stories), the Georgetown Conservation Commission continues to focus on matters of septic system upgrades, boundary markers to firmly define no-disturb boundaries near wetlands, a failed septic replacement, removal of a deck and creation of an addition, and enforcement of extensive violations into the wetlands where Mr. Tianqui Wang created a party/meditation/forest bathing area.
The area identified as “off rail trail Map 9 Lot X, Mr. Tianqui Wang” contains a small boat dock, several small plastic floatie boats, a gas grill, extensive pressure treated wooden platforms, what appears to be two small sheds/shelters covered with tarps, fencing, walkways, tables, chairs, and other items, all – the ConCom members noted – are in violation of local, state and other wetlands regulations.
In their meeting minutes, the Commission summarized that “Mr. Wang has migrated into that area and neighboring properties with boardwalks, chairs, ladders, and other things of that nature. All materials must be removed. The woods path extends 30’ into the wetland marsh area. All debris must be removed from all other parcels, including Penn Brook Conservation Area. The grill must be removed, the fence must be removed. The statues must be removed from the trees.”
ConCom member Amy Graffum noted that “we counted 22 chairs and a ladder and tarps and fences that prohibit wildlife from traveling.” She noted that all items that have been bolted into the trees need to be removed “asap, especially before spring.”
The area, which some have described as looking like a possible “homeless camp” actually contains many vases and artwork which Mr. Wang explained to members were a part of his culture. Recorded in the meeting minutes, he stated that he “made an open-air gallery with decorations as people do for Halloween and Christmas. It is my land. I will come to Michele’s [Grenier, the conservation agent] office to make this clearer.”
ConCom Vice Chair Rachel Bancroft explained to Mr. Wang that he does need to follow the law in the use of his property, fully, as this has gone from a discussion/notification point to an Enforcement Order, and the next step is the imposition of fines for wetlands violations.
After a good deal of discussion between the ConCom members, Mr. Wang, and his interpreter, indicated that they understood and would comply and remove the copious items. The ConCom directed that all items are to be removed, the trees are to be repaired, and the Enforcement Order was to extend out to March to allow Mr. Wang time to comply.
That meeting took place on January 2nd. Little activity at the site in terms of removals was noticed when the nearby pictures were taken on January 18th (there appeared to be hundreds of items present). Failure to comply will expose Mr. Wang to fines of $300/day. ♦
