Lakeville conservation panel approves $25,100 consultant cap, asks planning board for more study of Rocky Woods options

The Lakeville Conservation Commission voted Jan. 2 to allocate up to $25,100 from commission fee funds to hire consultant Brandon Fanuff for ongoing review of the Rocky Woods project and approved a memo asking the planning board to research an Open Space Residential Development (OSRD) alternative to the developer’s Chapter 40B comprehensive-permit plan.

The action responds to discussion at a Dec. 26 planning board meeting about two conceptual plans for the property off Fruitown/Freetown Street—one a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit that covers about 185 acres and the other an OSRD concept that would include a larger parcel (approximately 308 acres). Commission members said the planning board asked only whether the commission wanted the town to pursue further study of an OSRD, not for an endorsement of either option.

The commission’s decision to reserve funds for Fanuff, described at the meeting as the commission’s consultant on wetlands and vernal-pool issues, included a clarification that Fanuff will serve as a consultant rather than as a peer reviewer under M.G.L. c. 44, § 53G. Commissioners said they expect the developer to cover peer‑review costs once the developer files a Notice of Intent (NOI), and that the commission will review and approve any work that would incur fees before authorizing payment.

Why it…