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Select Board denies Goddard Consulting filing-fee reimbursement for 12 Spring Hill Road
Summary
After hearing from the conservation agent and board members concerned about precedent and permitting costs, the Acton Select Board voted to deny a consultant's request for a filing-fee reimbursement related to a 12 Spring Hill Road application.
The Acton Select Board voted on June 2 to deny a request from Goddard Consulting for reimbursement of filing fees associated with an application for 12 Spring Hill Road.
Conservation Agent Olivia Barksdale introduced the item and recommended denying the reimbursement request. Olivia said the town had already expended staff time on the application, which was submitted in November 2024 and withdrawn in March 2025.
Select Board members debated precedent and permitting-fund impacts. Select Board member David said refunds can drain permitting funds and urged development of a clearer refund policy. Select Board member Jim and others said the property had a lengthy application history and they supported denial. Select Board member Alicia asked staff to check whether previous applicants had sought refunds in prior years; Olivia said she would follow up.
Select Board member David moved to deny the fee reimbursement; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The board did not authorize any reimbursement to Goddard Consulting. The application itself lists Westchester Housing as the applicant and a different property owner is involved, Olivia noted.
The vote was taken during the meeting's new business portion; the motion to deny passed without recorded amendments and the board took no further action on the application at the June 2 meeting.
