Ipswich Conservation Commission approves Rosewood Drive amendment, issues shed Determination and continues several hearings

The Ipswich Conservation Commission met April 22, 2026 via Zoom and took a series of permit and procedural actions affecting local wetlands and drainage projects.

The commission voted unanimously to issue a positive Order of Conditions (OOC) for a formal amendment to the project at 1–5 Rosewood Drive after the applicant, Roger LeBlanc, submitted amended plans that reduced the building footprint and decreased impervious surface from 3,700 to 3,250 square feet. The commission required plan updates, including a condition for signage to designate areas where snow may not be stored, and said it will revisit the site before issuing a Certificate of Compliance. The motion to close the public hearing and issue the OOC was made by Commissioner James (Jim) Stone, seconded by Commissioner Karin Hawkinson and passed unanimously.

The commission also considered a Request for Determination of Applicability from Matthew Butler for a new 10-by-14 shed at 22 Sagamore Road. The plan shows the work entirely outside the 25-foot No-Disturbance Zone and 15-foot No-Build Zone; the commission voted to issue a Negative Determination of Applicability (NDA) with a special condition prohibiting work in the regulated buffer zones. Commissioner Stone moved the NDA, Commissioner Sissy ffolliott seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Several hearings were continued for additional review or input. A Notice of Intent for improvements at 40 and 42 Chattanooga Road, presented by Chris Sparages of Williams & Sparages, was continued to May 6, 2026 while the commission seeks guidance from Town Counsel and additional coordination with the Department of Public Works. Sparages told the commission he had discussed three alternatives with DPW; the selected option requires crossing Little Neck Road and proposes two 18‑inch zinc‑coated culvert pipes with rip rap and a stilling basin. Attorney Bill Heney, representing neighbors at 42 Chattanooga Road, said much of the proposed stormwater work affects his clients’ property and asked the town to review whether approval is appropriate; the commission asked the Conservation Office to obtain DPW comment, peer‑review confirmation, and Town Counsel input before proceeding.

A proposed drinking water well at 324 Linebrook Road (NOI) was continued to May 6 after Larry Graham (H.L. Graham & Associates) noted the site is served by Town water and that the Board of Health must authorize a private well. Wetland flags (B1–B7) and proposed temporary erosion controls were shown; the Conservation Office will confirm the wetland delineation.

On an enforcement matter at 19 Waldingfield, owner Curtis Sprouse reported tree removal tied to gypsy moth damage that disturbed wetlands. Chair Jennifer Hughes recused herself from that item; Vice Chair Sissy ffolliott chaired the discussion. The commission indicated the Town will issue an Enforcement Order and directed Sprouse to work with the Conservation Office on a restoration plan; the matter was continued to May 6.

Other routine matters — including multiple Certificates of Compliance requests and an Essex County Trail Association NOI — were continued at the applicants’ requests. The commission approved the draft OOC for septic replacement at 84–85 Little Neck Road after adding conditions to confirm delineation transects and erosion controls. The meeting concluded with approval of the April 8, 2026 minutes and adjournment at 8:45 p.m.

Votes at a glance: the commission unanimously (roll-call) issued a positive OOC for 36‑1467 (1–5 Rosewood Drive); unanimously issued an NDA for the RDA at 22 Sagamore Road; voted unanimously to continue multiple matters (dates noted above).