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Attorney and commission clash over permit-extension waiver for 70 North Ridge Road; matter continued
Summary
Attorney Chip Nylen told the Ipswich Conservation Commission that his clients waived a 2-year permit extension; Chair Jennifer Hughes disputed that waiver can be applied after work began under a valid Order of Conditions. The commission continued the matter to June 3, 2026 and asked the attorney to consult MA DEP.
Attorney Chip Nylen, representing the property owners at 70 North Ridge Road, told the Ipswich Conservation Commission on May 20 that his clients were waiving a two-year permit extension associated with an earlier Order of Conditions.
Nylen said the 2022 OOC covered coastal work related to a pier and walkway and that the owners elected not to pursue the pier, opting instead to repair the existing pier. “The 2-year extension is waived,” Nylen said, noting a restoration plan before MA DEP that reflects a revised delineation.
Chair Jennifer Hughes disputed that interpretation, saying the commission’s 2022 delineation and the posted OOC remain valid and that a waiver cannot be effectuated after work began under a valid OOC. Hughes noted the Enforcement Order filed after the September 2025 work and asked Agent Mary Lester to confirm with MA DEP whether it would accept a revised delineation as part of its enforcement review.
Because the parties disagreed on the legal effect of the permit-extension waiver and on the appropriate delineation for coastal bank restoration, the commission voted unanimously to continue the matter to its June 3, 2026 meeting to allow the applicant to consult MA DEP and supply additional documentation.
Next steps: Nylen was asked to consult MA DEP on delineation and restoration under enforcement; the commission will revisit the matter on June 3.
