Hampden conservation panel issues negative determination for garage replacement, requires silt controls and inspections

The Hampden Conservation Commission on March 19 issued a negative determination for a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) submitted by Paul Gazzi, clearing the way for replacement of an existing garage on substantially the same foundation while imposing a set of site‑protection conditions.

The determination, issued under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c.131, §40), means the commission concluded the proposed work was within an area subject to jurisdiction but met statutory exemptions for existing structures and therefore did not require a Notice of Intent. Commission Member 1, a member of the Hampden Conservation Commission, read the ruling to the applicant: "You received a negative determination, which is good." The member also summarized the legal basis: "Existing structures prior to 08/07/1996, such as a single family home and or accessory structures are generally…