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Monroe commission orders removal or relocation after swing set found in conservation easement and wetlands
Summary
The Monroe Inland Wetland Commission resolved a violation at 45 Blanket Meadow Road after staff found a swing set installed inside a town conservation easement and partly in wetlands; the homeowner must remove or relocate the play structure and restore disturbed ground under voluntary compliance overseen by staff.
Acting Chair Ryan Kelly and the Monroe Inland Wetland Commission addressed an enforcement case involving a swing set installed in a town conservation easement and partially within wetlands at 45 Blanket Meadow Road.
Andrew Broman, the commission’s Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer, presented photos and maps showing the play structure and silt fence encroaching into the conservation easement and wetlands. "They are healthy, viable wetlands," Broman said, noting some vegetation had been removed and that the silt fence had been moved to preserve a tree. He also identified a previously permitted shed near the easement boundary.
Homeowner Nick Bugano told the commission he and his family bought the house in January 2025 and that the swing set was purchased and assembled without realizing its location. "It was a total accident. It was not something I was trying to do," Bugano said. He apologized and said he wanted to make it right.
Commissioners discussed options including relocating the play set to an area outside the conservation easement and upland review area, seeking a waiver from the Board of Selectmen (the easement is to the town), or complete removal. They emphasized limiting heavy equipment in the conservation easement and suggested hand removal or use of plywood mats where machinery is necessary to prevent further damage. Staff noted that if the homeowner can place the play set at least 25 feet outside the wetlands and easement he could qualify for administrative approval.
After discussion, Commissioner Mark Zamry moved to resolve violation IWV-2026-02 (file 1574) by issuing voluntary compliance requiring removal or relocation of the swing set outside the conservation easement, repair of disturbed ground (seed/topsoil as needed), and oversight by staff; Commissioner Jim Stewart seconded. The chair called the question and declared the motion carried.
Broman said he would provide the homeowner with written direction and a resolution so that related pool construction can proceed once the compliance steps are completed. The commission did not require a full remediation plan but noted that hand work is preferred inside the conservation easement and any heavy equipment should minimize disturbance.
The action resolves the immediate enforcement concern while leaving the homeowner responsible for relocating the play equipment or obtaining any necessary waivers and permits to keep it on the property.
