Marion Conservation Commission — April 8, 2026

The Marion Conservation Commission met on April 8, 2026, and addressed a variety of requests for determination of applicability, notices of intent, zoning board referrals, and neighborhood inquiries. The commission approved the meeting minutes from March 25, 2026, and determined that a Marion Zoning Board of Appeals referral for 80 Pleasant Street was non-jurisdictional, while a referral for 20 South Street was likely jurisdictional due to the proximity of a flood zone.

The commission held public hearings for several filings under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. A Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) submitted by Roger Holmes for 11 Reservation Way to reconstruct an existing pool, spa, and patio within the same footprint was approved with a Negative Determination Box 2. An RDA submitted by 24 West Drive LLC to construct a timber deck and railings atop an existing solid-filled pier and concrete cap was also approved with a Negative Determination Box 2. A Notice of Intent (NOI) filed by Melissa Cruz for an ecological restoration project involving invasive phragmites and multiflora rose management at 13 Holly Road was approved under an Order of Conditions, with special conditions allowing restorative native replanting if deemed necessary following annual monitoring. Additionally, commission member Jeff Doubrava recused himself to present an RDA for 47 East Avenue for arborvitae replacement, spruce removal, sod replacement with microclover, and conduit installation; the commission granted a Negative Determination under Boxes 2 and 3.

The commission also reviewed unpermitted ditch excavation and drainage pipe replacement work at 35 Holly Road, advising homeowner Jenny Beam to file an after-the-fact RDA for the work within the coastal storm flowage area. Neighborhood residents from Old Mill Road raised concerns regarding the potential sale and development of approximately 16 acres of vacant lots at the terminus of the road; the commission clarified that no development filings have been submitted and that any future formal applications would require abutter notifications and board reviews.

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