Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wetland Restoration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wilbraham commission closes hearing, issues order tied to expanded wetland plantings at 792 Tinkham Road
Summary
The Wilbraham Conservation Commission closed a continued Notice of Intent for 792 Tinkham Rd, approving updated restoration plans that add trees and shrubs, set conditions for woodchip removal and stormwater controls, and ordered that two growing seasons pass before a Certificate of Compliance may be requested.
The Wilbraham Conservation Commission voted May 18 to close a continued Notice of Intent and issue an Order of Conditions for a single‑family dwelling and wetland restoration at 792 Tinkham Road, after applicants presented a revised planting plan. Applicants Cassandra Swaby‑Passmore and Damian Passmore, represented by Cole Modesto of R. Levesque Associates, supplied updated plans showing increased vegetation—trees spaced about 20 feet on center and a shrub layer about 10 feet on center—that the Commission said met its expectations.
An abutter asked how accumulated woodchips on the site would be removed. The applicants said woodchips would be removed using equipment with care to avoid disturbing soil and would be disposed of off the property. Commissioners required stormwater controls and silt fencing to protect the wetland during work and reserved the right to require the applicants to hire an expert after chip removal if conditions revealed by removal indicate additional restoration is needed. The Commission also set that applicants must allow two full growing seasons after restoration before requesting a Certificate of Compliance.
Member James Knittel moved to close the public hearing and issue the Order of Conditions within 21 days; James Murphy seconded. The motion passed with votes in favor from Chairman Christopher Brown, James Coletta, Robert McMaster, James Knittel and Jim Murphy. Alice Colman recused herself from this matter as an abutter. James Coletta will draft the Order of Conditions.
The hearing had been continued from the Commission's April 27, 2026 meeting. The Commission said a site visit will be scheduled after woodchip removal to assess tree and vegetation viability and determine whether further remediation is required.
