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Fitchburg Conservation Commission approves duplex project, grants compliance certificates; 196 Sheldon Road certificate passes 5-1
Summary
At its May 6 meeting the Fitchburg Conservation Commission approved an Order of Conditions for three duplexes at 0 Mechanic Street, granted multiple Certificates of Compliance including for the MBTA Wachusett Extension, and approved a Certificate for 196 Sheldon Road despite as‑built discrepancies; several Notices of Intent were continued.
The Fitchburg Conservation Commission on May 6 approved an Order of Conditions for construction of three residential duplexes at 0 Mechanic Street, granted multiple Certificates of Compliance and issued a negative determination allowing removal of dead trees at Saima Park.
The Commission voted unanimously to approve the MACPRO LLC proposal for three duplexes (DEP #155-0777) after hearing from Bill Hannigan of Hannigan Engineering that grouping the units reduced fill and disturbance and that the revised plan will meet Massachusetts Stormwater Standards using an underground drainage system. The approval includes special conditions and direction for homeowner/condominium association language to address long‑term maintenance responsibilities.
Commissioners also approved a Notice of Intent for a septic-system replacement at 717 Mount Elam Road (DEP #155-0775). Staff advised that nearby sewer infrastructure is at capacity, so connection to city sewer was not feasible; the Commission approved the septic replacement and issued an Order of Conditions with the city’s standard conditions.
A negative determination was issued for tree removal at Saima Park (Finnish Center at 67 Scott Road) after applicant Frank Ruosteoja said only dead or damaged ash and pine trees would be removed and stumps would remain in place.
In a contested vote on Certificates of Compliance, the Commission approved the request for 196 Sheldon Road (DEP #155-0724) despite as‑built materials showing the lots had been raised about 4–5 feet above the approved plans and that detention basins were not constructed as submitted. Commissioners discussed whether to penalize current homeowners for the developer’s noncompliance; the motion to grant the Certificate passed 5-1, with Commissioner Mike Donnelly opposed. Commission members noted the difficulty of creating a precedent that could penalize homeowners who purchased lots after construction changes.
The body also granted the final Certificate of Compliance related to the MBTA Wachusett Extension (DEP #155-0602) and approved Certificates for three 0 Mechanic Street lots (DEP #155-0755, 155-0756, 155-0757), each by unanimous vote. Commissioners said documentation for an ongoing enforcement case at 935 Ashby State Road had been forwarded to MassDEP, and that piles of dirt observed at a British American Club property within the riverfront area had mostly been removed after the Commission sent a reminder letter.
Other business included welcoming new Conservation Agent Jordan Vachon and announcing that a conservation restriction for the Christian Property was recorded April 30, 2026. Commissioners asked about a stockpile on Depot Road adjacent to the Nashua River; staff reported the pile would be reground and that extra erosion controls had been installed, with an estimated presence through September.
The Commission scheduled follow‑up and continued several items — including the Ashburnham Hill Road single‑family home (DEP #155-0774) and the Rindge Road matter (DEP #155-0776) — to its next regular meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
