Conservation commission approves two Certificates of Compliance; schedules April 15 hearing for unauthorized soccer field

The Chicopee Conservation Commission on April 1 approved two Certificates of Compliance for properties where permitted work never began, approved March 18 minutes, nominated a commissioner to a zoning overhaul review committee and heard notice of an April 15 hearing involving an unpermitted soccer field.

Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve a Certificate of Compliance for NOI 18-003, a 2018 order for a building addition at 873 Grattan St.; staff said no work was ever performed and the business relocated. The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Charles Payne and seconded by Commissioner Mateusz Kurc.

A second Certificate of Compliance for NOI 19-001, covering 0 and 63 1/2 Main St. and a proposed indoor soccer complex, was also approved 5-0 after staff reported the project never commenced and the proposed complex relocated. The motion was made by Commissioner Charles Payne and seconded by Commissioner Mateusz Kurc.

The commission approved the March 18, 2026 meeting minutes by a 5-0 vote. Staff reported there were no bills to sign.

Under communications, staff announced that an April 15, 2026 Notice of Intent and restoration plan will address a soccer field constructed without permits on OSJL property. Charles Payne nominated Commissioner Richard Valcourt to represent the Conservation Commission on a Zoning and Regulation Overhaul review committee; the nomination was seconded by Meghan Balakier and carried 4-0 with Valcourt abstaining. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM following a 5-0 vote.