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Brockton commission issues enforcement order for 67 Thatcher Street; owner told to file 25‑foot riverfront restoration plan in three months
Summary
After staff found clearing and grubbing near a stream bank at 67 Thatcher Street, the commission voted to issue an enforcement order requiring the owner to submit a riverfront restoration plan within three months and to install conservation markers and remove debris.
The Brockton Conservation Commission voted Dec. 17 to issue an enforcement order for 67 Thatcher Street after staff presented photos showing clearing and grubbing within the 100‑foot buffer and near the stream bank.
Agent Kyle said he visited the site after a complaint and observed cleared vegetation and evidence of grubbing reaching within roughly five feet of the bank. He also shared photos that showed tires and debris in the stream. Property owner Enrique Ramos told the commission he bought the lot in July and cleared brush and thorny growth to make the yard usable for his grandchildren. Ramos said he had been told by a city contact that he could work “as long as I don't touch the water.” He said his intent was to clean and reseed the area and not to build.
Commissioners discussed enforcement options. Several members recommended a measured approach: require a restoration/enhancement plan for the 25‑foot riverfront area, require installation of conservation markers, and allow staff to assist the owner in preparing the plan. Agent Kyle recommended issuing an enforcement order rather than just a notice of violation because an enforcement order is legally binding and allows the commission to specify remediation and timelines. The commission voted to issue an enforcement order directing the owner to submit a 25‑foot riverfront enhancement/restoration plan for commission approval within three months of issuance, to install conservation markers, and to remove debris from the stream where safe to do so.
Kyle said staff will help Mr. Ramos and suggested Ken Thompson (or similar consultants) as contacts to prepare the plan. Commissioners emphasized that the order is intended to guide remediation and not to punish a well‑intentioned owner. The motion passed by roll call vote.
Next steps: staff to draft the enforcement order with the three‑month submission deadline and submit it for the record; once a plan is received and approved the commission will set a planting schedule and confirm marker placement and debris removal procedures.
