Conservation Commission approves Cranberry Street wetland delineation for new housing lots

PEPPERELL — August 17, 2021 — Pepperell Conservation Commission unanimously approved a wetland resource area delineation for a 10-acre Cranberry Street parcel, clearing the way for residential lot development. The commission verified flags identifying a wetland, small pond, perennial stream, and seasonal intermittent stream at 10 and 14 Cranberry Street, the former Oaks property purchased by Ron Cuivu of Harbor Classic Homes; a 200-foot riverfront buffer along the left side of the lot will constrain where lots can be placed. Commission agent Paula, who made at least five site visits, reported the delineation accurate and noted that a USGS contact, Pete Steves, confirmed the mid-lot intermittent stream does not qualify as perennial. The board also issued a Certificate of Compliance closing a mid-1990s order of conditions at 106 Lawrence Street, Lot 9, which Paula described as fully stabilized. In informal discussion, commission member Rob briefed colleagues on the town's nascent Community Preservation Act outreach effort, noting the Select Board is pursuing a public campaign framed around a surcharge of roughly $50 per household, with state matching funds potentially exceeding 30 percent of local collections.