Pepperell Conservation Commission Approves E Street Home With Turtle Plan Condition

PEPPERELL — August 3, 2021 — Pepperell Conservation Commission votes 5-1 to allow new home in wetland buffer zone with turtle safeguards. The commission approved an order of conditions Tuesday for a proposed single-family dwelling at 64 E Street, a 2.2-acre lot that required a 2010 lot combination to become buildable. Engineer Jeff Hannaford presented the project, which maintains a minimum 50-foot setback from wetlands and includes silt fence and straw wattle erosion controls on three sides. Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program notified the applicant the day of the hearing that the site is Blanding's turtle priority habitat, requiring an approved turtle protection plan before construction can begin — and Conservation Agent Paula stated she will not sign a building permit until that review is complete. Member Masterson cast the lone dissenting vote, saying "I know how vulnerable this area is with Blanding's turtles" and citing a pattern of cumulative encroachment along East Street. The commission also accepted a $373,000 grant for the Heald Street culvert project and unanimously approved a septic replacement at 75 E Street.