Commission orders stop to Sever Road subdivision work after abutter‑notice error; hearing reset for July 8

The Townsend Conservation Commission read correspondence on June 24 informing the commission that required abutter notice for a subdivision application at the end of Sever Road (DP file 308-0729) had not been properly provided. The commission requested that all work authorized under the permit pause immediately until the matter is republished and the hearing reopened.

The letter (addressed to applicant John Melo Jr. and Land Design Collaborative/Wayne Bellic) stated the legal notice must be republished and abutters notified; the commission set a new hearing date for July 8, 2026 and noted the latest date to advertise for that hearing is July 1.

Commissioners discussed how the notification lapse occurred and whether responsibility lies with the applicant or with the commission under town bylaw language. The town bylaw requires notice at the applicant's expense but the wording in the bylaw is ambiguous about procedural steps; the commission agreed applicants historically carried responsibility for mailing but resolved to require republication and to review procedures to avoid similar errors.

Staff said certified mail and email copies were sent to the applicant and that a re-advertisement and certified-mail proof would be required before the reopened hearing. The commission emphasized that failure to notify abutters is a significant procedural error that justifies pausing work until the public can be given required notice and an opportunity to comment.

The commission directed staff to coordinate republication and to include the item on the July 8 agenda for a formal hearing.