Conservation Commission May 9, 2023 1

Nov 5, 2025 YouTube

The Dartmouth Conservation Commission, chaired by Patricia Saradu, held a remote meeting on May 9, 2023. The commission approved minutes from previous meetings and handled several field trip reports, including continuing a certificate of compliance request for Prime Engineering at the Dartmouth Business Park to May 23, and approving a partial certificate for 18 Twin Cons Drive, a negative-2 determination for a pool at 47 Gford Avenue, and a negative-3 determination for a home demolition and rebuild at 111 Prospect Street. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to three continued public hearings for Potter Street Solar LLC. The applicant, Christian Fallen, presented revised plans for a solar-only project, removing previously proposed residential dwellings. However, staff, led by Mark Garrett, raised significant concerns about the applicant's failure to address questions regarding the history and composition of unpermitted fill on the site, which potentially contains hazardous materials. Staff argued that without a proper soil and groundwater investigation (a Phase II ESA), the commission could not adequately review the project's impact on wetland resources. After a lengthy and contentious discussion, the commission voted unanimously to continue all three hearings to June 27, 2023, with the expectation that the applicant would provide the requested analysis. Other public hearings included the approval of a revised, shorter dock for Craig Weatherly at 153 Gulf Road with several conditions, including a $1,725 payment to the town's shellfish seed account. The commission also approved drainage improvements at 285 Old Westport Road and granted continuances for projects by Coutu Construction (to May 23) and Jason and Jazelle Hutchins for beach nourishment (to June 13). The commission approved two payments of $3,500 each to consultant Gus Roso for peer review services. The meeting concluded with a farewell and thanks to Commissioner Kelly, for whom this was her final meeting.

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