Residents press commission over alleged wetland filling and runoff; new environmental planner expected Aug. 3

Residents raised concerns about alleged ongoing wetland violations and new runoff that they say has damaged neighboring properties. George Ryan of 248 Coursera told the commission he observed added crushed stone, piles of material and a raised backyard that now causes regular flooding of his property; he said the work appears to include filling over wetlands. Matthew Yaccarino, a nearby resident, said he submitted color photographs that document excavators, dump trucks and asphalt millings being placed on the property and said those changes have increased runoff onto his lot.

Ryan told the commission, "There's no doubt that he has built over wetlands," and urged enforcement. Matthew Yaccarino said he had "submitted 10 photos of the property before" and during work and asked staff to pass the images to the incoming environmental planner. Commissioners and staff acknowledged frustration about limited enforcement capacity during the vacancy in the environmental planner position and said a new staff member is expected to start Aug. 3; the chair noted the commission can refer matters to the town attorney and discussed short fines as a potential enforcement tool but deferred further action until staff can follow up on the photographic evidence and inspection findings.

Provenance: Multiple public comment and reports segments; residents' statements were made during the items regarding cease-and-desist matters and violations.