The Town of Charlton Board of Health discussed online postings for a multi‑day “Homie Collective Campout 2025” allegedly at 508 International on Brookfield Road, and agreed to take no immediate regulatory action while staff checks whether an event is actually scheduled.

Board members and staff said the board learned about a four‑day event advertised as offering camping, RV parking, ADA‑accessible camping and shower stations. The board raised public‑health concerns about overnight camping at a location that does not hold a campground permit, distribution of potable water, sewage dumping or inadequate toilet facilities and last‑minute permit requests.

Why it matters: If hundreds of people camp overnight for multiple days on a site that lacks a campground permit, the board said it could raise wastewater, sanitation and ADA‑access issues that normally trigger permitting and inspections for campgrounds or large events.

The board heard that a permit request for 52 porta‑potties had been filed late during the prior year’s event, which board members said created a “blindsided” inspection response. The property owner at the meeting said he owns 508 International and that, as of the meeting, no date was scheduled at his site. The board also heard from a representative of the venue and from staff about how event permitting has been handled in the past.

Board members discussed where responsibility lies. Jim (the health director) and other staff told the board that event organizers are responsible for obtaining permits and that the venue operator must ensure organizers do due diligence, including contacting the health office, pulling required permits and arranging for sewage and potable water as needed. Several speakers noted a distinction between an “event” where some attendees stay overnight and a licensed “campground,” and said the regulatory obligations differ depending on how camping is defined and how often overnight stays occur.

The board asked staff to contact Cheryl Sbarra (the town official who advises on permitting) for a legal definition of “campground” versus “event” and for guidance about what permits would be required if an organizer applies to operate a campground. Staff also said they would continue to monitor the event’s online listings and would notify the board if an organizer formally applied or if staff were contacted by the promoter.

No change in enforcement was ordered at the meeting. One board member said the item was “merely conjecture” until a promoter files a permit request; another said the board should be prepared to require compliance if a permit is filed. The board agreed to table further action and to monitor developments.

The board asked staff to provide the promoter’s contact information to the appropriate town offices and to instruct the promoter on the permits and inspections that may be required if an event is scheduled.

Looking ahead: The board directed staff to notify members if an event application arrives and to ask organizers to meet with health staff and the fire and police departments to coordinate sanitation, potable water, septic/dump arrangements and noise controls.

Votes at the meeting: none recorded on the Homie Collective item; the board’s working decision was to take no action at this time and to monitor for any formal application or change in status.