Planning board lifts cease-and-desist at Follin Estates contingent on erosion controls, directs bond update

The Town of Middleborough Planning Board voted unanimously Wednesday to lift a cease-and-desist order at the Follin Estates (Cranberry Woods) subdivision contingent on engineer verification that required erosion controls have been installed.

The action follows updates from developer Christian Follin, who identified himself as principal engineer and president of Follin Corp., and subsequent confirmation from the town’s engineer that the developer will add required erosion controls this week. Planning staff said they will include outstanding site items in the project bond estimate so the bond is in effect by spring.

The board’s vote amended an initial motion to make the lifting contingent on a letter or email from the town engineer confirming installation of the erosion controls. The board also directed that the bond estimate include punch-list items — such as removal of stump piles and other drainage work noted in town reviews — so that when the work is completed and verified the developer can request lot releases without further delay.

Developer comments: Christian Follin told the board he plans to install additional straw wattles at outlets toward Marion Road to reduce erosion while the ground is frozen and said he preferred pricing bond items now rather than delay. James (Jim) Marsh, appearing as a representative for Allen Estates, told the board he supported including those items in the bond estimate so springtime lot releases would not be delayed.

Town engineer notes: The town engineer confirmed he will include the identified items in the bond estimate and said he would verify erosion-control installation after the contractor’s planned work; the contingency language in the board’s amended motion makes the cease-and-desist lift effective only after that verification.

Why it matters: The board’s action clears the way for limited construction activity to resume under town oversight while preserving the board’s ability to require completion of erosion and drainage work before final lot releases. The bond requirement creates a financial assurance the town can draw on if required work is not completed.

Next steps: The developer will proceed with the erosion-control work; the town engineer said he expects to provide written confirmation after the scheduled installation. Once the town confirms the work and the revised bond is in place, the developer may request release of lots.