Conservation panel grants 3-year extension for 37 Frost Street after applicant cites family tragedies

The Brockton Conservation Commission on Dec. 17 approved a three‑year extension of an order of conditions for 37 Frost Street after the property representative said recent family deaths and illness prevented progress.

The applicant, who identified himself in the remote meeting as Mr. Fargo, told the commission he had “taken some time off from working to take care of him… and then my mom got sick, and she passed away,” and that he has not had time to complete the work. City agent Kyle reported the commission issued the original order in December 2022, that erosion controls remain installed, and that the commission may grant an extension of up to three years. Kyle told the panel he went to the site last week and “confirmed that no work has begun on the site, and the erosion controls still look like they’re in pretty decent shape.”

Commissioners asked how long the applicant thought he would need; Mr. Fargo requested “at least 2” years and said he hoped to resume in spring. Commissioners discussed discretion for repeated extensions and noted the commission is never obligated to grant them; they said a first extension is ordinarily reasonable when site conditions have not changed. Commissioner Justin Talbot moved to grant a three‑year extension and a second was recorded; the motion passed by roll call vote (6‑0).

Agent Kyle said he would issue the extension the next day so the new issue date falls before the original order expiration. The extension carries no modification to the conditions, only an extended permitted completion date.

The commission’s action was procedural: it extends the deadline for a previously approved order of conditions rather than changing the permit’s technical terms. The applicant may resume work under the existing order and is required to comply with the order’s erosion‑control and notification requirements.

The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2026.