Erving Conservation Commission Rescinds Parking Lot Vote, Orders Smaller Layout

ERVING — May 4, 2021 — Erving's Conservation Commission unanimously reversed a month-old vote to build an 18-space parking lot at Poplar Mountain and redirected the project toward a 10-car layout. Chair David Brewer said flatly that the commission "goofed" by approving the original 60-by-100-foot design at the April meeting without sufficient study, and the board voted first to rescind that decision and then to direct the town highway department to flag a smaller 10-car lot within 10 to 12 days so commissioners can hold a site visit before any further action. Resident and trail volunteer Rob presented feedback from FURCOG, the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, the Audubon Society, and several other trail advocacy organizations, nearly all of which called an 18-space lot excessive for a 1.5-mile loop trail; one respondent noted the size "corresponds to tour buses." The commission also voted unanimously for a negative determination of applicability on an Eversource request to construct two permanent gravel work pads — totaling roughly 20,600 square feet — within the 100-foot wetland buffer near Poplar Mountain Road for transmission-line structure replacements, and nominated Morningstar Chandran to fill the seat being vacated by Beth Basler.