Pepperell Conservation Commission Approves Manhattan Road House in Wetland Buffer Zone

PEPPERELL — January 21, 2020 — Pepperell Conservation Commission clears a Manhattan Road home project and hears that a long-running Birch Drive Extension appeal may head to Superior Court. The Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to issue a Negative Determination for applicant Kenneth Tolland's proposed single-family house, driveway, and septic system at 5 Manhattan Road, Lot 3, finding work within the 100-foot wetland buffer zone will not alter a protected resource area and does not require a Notice of Intent; conditions include wattle erosion controls and placement of four buffer-marker stakes at the 50-foot line. On the Birch Drive Extension, a staff member reported that DEP Commissioner Martin Suberg denied the abutter's motion for reconsideration, upholding the presiding officer's original decision, but noted the challenger retains the right to appeal to Superior Court within 30 days of January 7. The Commission also voted to approve $436.36 in bills covering public hearing notices, Planning Board postage, and a deed recording fee to complete the town's acquisition of a conservation parcel accessible from Cranberry Road, and acknowledged a $100 annual donation from volunteer Carl Hebert, who regularly collects trash on conservation trails and passes identifiable items to Pepperell police.