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Partial lifting of cease‑and‑desist at 40 Beechwood St; applicants ordered to submit restoration plan
Summary
After finding unpermitted tree and vegetation removal at 40 Beechwood Street, the Conservation Commission lifted the full cease‑and‑desist and issued a partial order allowing only previously approved work; the Stilphen applicants must provide a revised restoration plan (2:1 tree replacement typical), delineate restoration limits, install erosion controls and coordinate plantings with staff.
The Conservation Commission opened a show‑cause hearing for RDA 26‑01 at 40 Beechwood Street concerning unpermitted vegetation and tree removal beyond what a prior RDA authorized.
Conservation Agent Charlotte Pechtl presented photographic documentation showing additional tree removal, and the applicants, Gary and Paula Stilphen, acknowledged removing several trees citing safety concerns. The applicants submitted a preliminary native planting plan and indicated willingness to revise the plan per Commission guidance.
The Commission clarified that vegetation removal within jurisdictional areas requires prior approval and directed the applicants to submit a scaled restoration plan showing: locations of replacement trees and shrubs (typical 2:1 replacement ratio described), delineation of lawn versus restoration areas (using historic aerial imagery where helpful), native planting details and seed mix, and placement of erosion control measures (mulch silt sock) prior to any restoration work. A site visit and field staking were recommended to verify restoration limits.
The Commission voted to lift the full cease‑and‑desist and issue a partial cease‑and‑desist allowing only previously approved work (front covered entry and rear addition within the existing footprint) contingent on installation of erosion controls and submission of the restoration plan. The show‑cause hearing remains continued to May 7, 2026 for further review.
