BROCKTON CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – 6:30 PM via ZOOM
The Chair, Joyce Voorhis, called the March 18th, 2026, meeting of the Brockton Conservation Commission to order and read the following statement: “It being 6:30 PM on March 18th, 2026, I call this meeting of the Brockton Conservation Commission to order. This meeting is being conducted remotely in accordance with Governor Healey’s Open Meeting Provisions extension signed on March 28th, 2025, which extends access to certain remote and hybrid meetings until June 30th, 2027. Real-time public participation and comment can be addressed to the Conservation Commission utilizing the ZOOM virtual meeting software for remote access. If you wish to comment during a public input portion of a hearing, please use the “raise your hand” function to be addressed at the appropriate time. For those of you joining by phone only, please press star (*) nine to raise your hand. Please note that all comments made are public record and should be made in a way that is respectful to others. Should personal or inflammatory remarks be made, the host reserves the right to mute the speaker. A copy of this recording will be posted on the City of Brockton’s webpage. All votes will be done via roll call vote to ensure count accuracy.”
The following members were confirmed to be in attendance: Joyce Voorhis – Chair, Lily Green – Vice-Chair, Ruby Clay, Shareefah Mapp, Justin Talbot, Peggy Curtis, Leon Edwards, Conservation Agent Kyle Holden & Administrative Assistant Isaiah Thelwell
NOTE – Agenda Items Continued to the April 15th, 2026 Meeting
A motion was made (Curtis) and seconded (Clay) to continue the following agenda items to the April 15th meeting. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
6. Notice of Intent
Property: 331 Plain Street
Project: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction
Representative: E.T. Engineering Enterprises, Inc.
7. Notice of Intent
Property: 940 Belmont Street
Project: VA Hospital Stormwater Improvements
Representative: T. Reynolds Engineering
9. Notice of Intent
Property: 0 Lawton Avenue
Project: New Home Construction
Representative: EBT Environmental Consultants, Inc.
10. Notice of Intent
Property: 68 12th Avenue
Project: Sunroom Addition
Representative: J.K. Holmgren Engineering, LLC
11. Notice of Intent
Property: 196 Manley Street
Project: Equipment East – Deviations from 2019 Order of Conditions
Representative: J.K. Holmgren Engineering, LLC
13. Notice of Intent
Property: 31 Otis Street
Project: New 3-Family Residential Construction
Representative: Farland Corp.
14. Notice of Intent
Property: 55 Christy’s Drive
Project: Hotel Construction
Representative: J.K. Holmgren Engineering, LLC
15. Notice of Intent
Property: 0 Claredon Street (Parcel ID: 156-240)
Project: Roadway Extension and Single-Family Home Construction
Representative: E.T. Engineering Enterprises, Inc.
16. Notice of Intent
Property: Center and Plymouth Streets
Project: Intersection Improvements
Representative: CDM Smith, Inc.
17. Notice of Intent
Property: 127 Liberty Street
Project: After-the-Fact Filing
Representative: Gallagher Engineering
COMMISSION MATTERS
1. Officer Elections: Chair and Vice-Chair
Justin Talbot was nominated (Clay) and seconded (Mapp) for Conservation Commission Chair for a 1-year term. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Shareefah Mapp was nominated (Talbot) and seconded (Green) for Conservation Commission Vice Chair for a 1-year term. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
2. Meeting Minutes – January 21, 2026
A motion was made (Green) and seconded (Mapp) to accept the January 21st Meeting Minutes. The Motion passed by unanimous vote.
3. Meeting Minutes – February 18, 2026
NEW FILINGS
4. Notice of Intent
Property: 195 Bellevue Avenue (Lot 1)
Project: Single-family Home Construction
Representative: PMP Consulting, Inc.
Mary Cannon with PMP Consulting, Inc introduced the Notice of Intent for 195 Bellevue Avenue (Lot 1). Cannon provided background on the project, explaining that the lot was created as part of a prior two-lot subdivision associated with Arthur Street for Developer Jason Kennedy. At that time, wetlands were delineated by Environmental Consulting and Restoration, LLC, and the remaining land on Bellevue Avenue is now being proposed for development. Cannon noted that the project has already received necessary approvals from both the Planning Board (including a frontage waiver) and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Samantha Cripps, also representing PMP Consulting, LLC, then presented the project details, describing the proposal for a 1,640 square foot single-family home with associated driveway, utilities, deck, and a new sidewalk along the frontage. Cripps explained that bordering vegetated
wetlands lie to the south, associated with an intermittent stream, and that all proposed work will occur outside the 50-foot buffer zone, with the closest disturbance approximately 52 feet from the resource area. Erosion controls, including straw wattles, will be installed, and some grading will be required to elevate the house.
Agent Holden characterized the application as straightforward, noting that all work is within the buffer zone and no direct wetland impacts are proposed. However, he identified two administrative items that must be addressed before an Order of Conditions can be issued. First, the wetland delineation, originally completed around 2021, must be updated or confirmed to reflect current conditions. Second, the subdivision must be finalized and recorded so that the lot has a legally recognized identifier before permitting. He recommended continuing the hearing to allow time for both the updated delineation and proof of recording.
Discussion followed regarding the delineation process, with Cannon asking whether re-flagging and confirmation by the original wetland scientist would suffice. Agent Holden indicated that either a full re-delineation or a field verification with updated documentation would be acceptable, as long as it reflects a current review. Additional clarification was provided by Department Admin Isaiah Thelwell regarding the subdivision recording process, noting that once the endorsed plan is recorded at the Registry of Deeds, the lot is effectively established.
Chair Voorhis asked clarifying questions about the relationship of the lot to the earlier Arthur Street subdivision and confirmed that the house would be elevated on fill.
A motion was made (Curtis) and seconded (Green) to continue the hearing for 195 Bellevue Avenue to the April 15th meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
5. Notice of Intent
Property: 207 Bellevue Avenue (Lot 2)
Project: Single-family Home Construction
Representative: PMP Consulting, Inc.
Samantha Cripps, with PMP Consulting, LLC, introduced the next item, 207 Bellevue Avenue. Cripps explained the proposal for a 1,640 square-foot single-family home with associated site work, noting proximity to bordering vegetated wetlands and a nearby vernal pool. Most work is outside the buffer zone, with limited clearing proposed, along with erosion controls extending between Lots 1 and 2. She also noted that the filing includes remedial actions on the abutting property related to an existing enforcement order, primarily to document those activities on the record.
Agent Holden discussed concerns regarding the accuracy of the wetland delineation on Lot 2, citing discrepancies between the current plans and a previously approved as-built plan for 219 Bellevue Avenue. He indicated that past unauthorized work on the abutting property may have altered wetland conditions, raising the possibility of wetland fill encroaching onto Lot 2. As a
result, he recommended further investigation, including updated wetland flagging, soil testing, and potential peer review, before issuing an Order of Conditions. He also confirmed that the Notice of Intent was filed to ensure full review, given the adjacent enforcement issues.
Commissioners discussed options, including a site walk, having the applicant’s consultant conduct further analysis, and referring the project to a peer reviewer. While some members supported peer review, the applicant’s representative expressed concern over associated costs and suggested conducting a site walk and additional testing first. The Commission indicated interest in further evaluation before proceeding.
The Commission agreed to have the applicant’s consultant, Brad Holmes conduct full soil testing and provide an assessment of the site before any further action. Members expressed support for reviewing this information and conducting a site walk before determining whether a peer review consultant would be necessary. Agent Holden recommended scheduling the site walk after the assessment is completed.
A motion was made (Curtis) and seconded (Green) to continue 207 Bellevue Avenue, to the April 15th meeting. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
CURRENT FILINGS
8. Notice of Intent
Property: 549 Copeland Street
Project: Subdivision Roadway Construction
Representative: J.K. Holmgren Engineering, LLC
Chair Voorhis introduced the Notice of Intent for 549 Copeland Street. The applicant’s representative, Scott Faria of J.K Holmgren Engineering, stated that the project has been before the Commission multiple times over the past year and is now seeking issuance of an Order of Conditions following resolution of prior comments.
Rhianna Sommers of Weston & Sampson, the Commission’s peer reviewer, presented a summary of the review process, noting that all outstanding wetland and stormwater comments have been addressed through multiple revisions. The project involves development on a former golf course (White Pines Golf Course), with approximately 1,800 square feet of wetland impacts associated with roadway construction and grading. The applicant evaluated alternatives and determined the proposed layout minimizes impacts while maintaining project feasibility. A wetland replication plan, including grading, planting, and monitoring, has been provided to mitigate impacts.
Sommers confirmed that buffer zone impacts, stormwater management requirements, and erosion controls have been adequately addressed, and that no jurisdictional streams or floodplain areas are present on-site. She also noted that DEP comments have been resolved and no 401 Water Quality Certification is required. Based on the review, Weston & Sampson supports the project with standard conditions.
Discussion included clarification on long-term maintenance of stormwater infrastructure, with the applicant indicating roadway drainage will be maintained by the City upon acceptance, while certain on-lot systems will be the responsibility of individual homeowners. The Commission continued discussion and requested additional plan visualization to better understand the extent of wetland impacts.
Discussion continued on the proposed subdivision at the former golf course off Copeland Street, with Joyce Voorhis raising concerns about the prolonged back-and-forth with peer reviewers and seeking clarity on the final design. Faria, presented a detailed site overview, identifying wetlands located at the rear of the property and explaining that several existing drainage ditches (“finger-like projections”)originally constructed for golf course drainage would be filled. A wetland replication area exceeding a 2:1 ratio is proposed to compensate for these impacts.
Chair Voorhis confirmed that the altered areas would allow completion of the roadway and lot layout, while unaltered wetland areas would remain protected. It was clarified that most development activity would occur outside buffer zones, though some rear lots (particularly Lots 7–14) may require future filings for work within jurisdictional areas.
Commissioner Clay raised concerns regarding fencing and wetland boundary protection for affected lots, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear and consistent requirements upfront. Faria acknowledged the concern and indicated that a 25-foot buffer zone would serve as the initial limit of work, subject to refinement during individual lot development due to site grading constraints.
Discussion also addressed the broader wetland system extending into West Bridgewater, confirming it functions as a single continuous wetland despite appearing as separate areas on earlier maps. Sommers clarified that the delineated wetland reflects actual site conditions rather than older DEP GIS data.
Commissioner Curtis inquired about snow removal, and it was explained that plowing operations would follow standard subdivision practices, with snow pushed to cul-de-sacs and roadway edges, largely outside the 100-foot buffer zone.
Agent Holden provided a professional assessment that the Commission could issue an Order of Conditions for the roadway, utilities, stormwater infrastructure, and wetland replication, noting that individual house lots would be reviewed separately. He recommended several special conditions, including requirements for a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), environmental monitor coordination, wetland replication monitoring, and clarification of planting specifications.
Agent Holden also suggested incorporating requirements for conservation markers (granite bounds) and addressing fencing through future Notices of Intent. He noted that marker placement
should balance environmental protection with practical site constraints, particularly given varying lot conditions and grading needs.
The Commission discussed the placement and timing of granite bounds for the subdivision, ultimately agreeing to a flexible, lot-by-lot approach rather than installing them immediately during roadway construction. Agent Holden recommended a compromise in which granite bounds and conservation signage would be installed along the 25-foot buffer zone across the subdivision at an approximate spacing of 35 feet, unless otherwise modified through individual Notice of Intent filings. This approach ensures coverage for lots that may not require individual filings, such as Lot 10, while still allowing site-specific adjustments. The Commission also agreed that fencing for Lots 7 through 15 would be reviewed during individual filings, and confirmed that existing features such as the shared rock wall along certain lots would remain undisturbed.
Additional special conditions outlined by Agent Holden included submission of a signed SWPPP before the pre-construction meeting and start of work; the requirement for an environmental monitor (wetland specialist) to oversee work within wetland and replication areas; adherence to a two-growing-season monitoring period for the wetland replication area prior to issuance of a Certificate of Compliance; specification of 19 trees by species for planting; installation of additional erosion controls for any stockpiling within the 100-foot buffer zone; and a requirement for Commission or staff presence during excavation of the stormwater infiltration basin to confirm design assumptions. Minor discussion also addressed staging, dewatering (not anticipated), and inclusion of erosion control measures where necessary.
A motion was made (Curtis) and seconded (Green) to close the public hearing for 549 Copeland Street. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote.
A motion was made (Curtis) and seconded (Clay) to issue an Order of Conditions for 549 Copeland Street with the special conditions as outlined by Agent Holden. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote.
12. Notice of Intent
Property: 484 Pleasant Street
Project: 4-Unit Residential Construction
Representative: J.K. Holmgren Engineering
Scott Faria, with J.K Holmgren Engineering, proposed constructing an additional four-unit residential building and expanding the existing parking area associated with a previously approved six-unit development. The project required stormwater management improvements due to increased impervious surface and the site’s proximity to Salisbury Brook, including riverfront area, buffer zones, and floodplain constraints. The applicant’s engineer presented a drainage design incorporating a sediment forebay and rain garden system intended to treat runoff before
discharge to the brook. Agent Holden noted that the peer review consultant had no outstanding concerns and recommended approval with standard and project-specific conditions.
The Commission discussed stormwater management, including how roof runoff would be directed into the system, as well as the placement and type of conservation boundary markers. Particular concern was raised regarding the potential for illegal dumping near the buffer area, leading the Commission to support the installation of a split rail fence with conservation and “No Dumping” signage along the limit of work, rather than individual markers, to provide a clearer and more enforceable boundary. Additional discussion addressed snow removal, with the applicant indicating that snow would need to be trucked off-site due to limited space, and the Commission also requested a condition prohibiting the use of salt within jurisdictional areas.
A motion was made (Curtis) and seconded (Green) to close the public hearing for 484 Pleasant Street. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
A motion was made (Curtis) and seconded (Green) to issue an Order of Conditions with the special conditions outlined by Agent Holden. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Brockton Wetland Ordinance Discussion
Agent Holden provided an update to the Commission regarding ongoing enforcement challenges and the potential advancement of a new wetlands ordinance. He explained that he had previously met with Chair Voorhis and Commissioner Green to discuss revisiting a wetlands ordinance proposal, noting that a prior effort in 2023 had failed. With newly elected City Council members now in place, he indicated that the present moment may be more favorable politically to reintroduce such an ordinance. He recommended forming a subcommittee of up to three members to work with him on drafting a simplified proposal, potentially a one-page document highlighting key regulatory priorities not currently addressed.
Agent Holden further explained that one of the primary obstacles to the previous ordinance was language allowing the Commission to levy fines for violations, which had raised concerns at the time. However, he noted that circumstances have since changed significantly. While the City’s Law Department had expanded staffing in 2024–2025 and provided strong support for enforcement actions, it has recently been reduced to three attorneys under the new administration. As a result, enforcement cases are now expected to be referred to outside counsel, though no clear process or communication has been established. Agent Holden expressed concern that enforcement orders are currently not being acted upon in a timely manner, citing an example that had remained unaddressed for several months. He emphasized that without reliable legal support, violators may ignore enforcement actions indefinitely, and suggested that including fine authority in a new ordinance could provide the Commission with an independent enforcement mechanism.
Commissioners discussed the implications of these changes, including confusion around how enforcement cases are being handled and whether proper procurement processes were followed for outside legal services. Agent Holden clarified that the reduction in Law Department staffing
has created a backlog and uncertainty, and that even Inspectional Services staff have been advised to hold off on submitting cases due to the lack of capacity. He reiterated that the Commission may need to rely more on its own regulatory authority moving forward.
Commissioner Clay volunteered to serve on the ordinance subcommittee, followed by Chair Voorhis and Commissioner Talbot. Commissioner Green offered to step aside and provide input separately. Agent Holden stated he would coordinate with the subcommittee members to begin drafting the ordinance and emphasized that the process would involve securing a City Council sponsor, undergoing review by the ordinance committee, and ultimately returning to the full Council for a vote. Commissioner Curtis noted she may be able to assist in identifying a sponsor.
A motion was made (Curtis) and seconded (Clay) to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote.