Freetown Conservation Commission Sets Escalating Fines for Wetland Violator

FREETOWN — September 11, 2023 — Freetown's Conservation Commission voted to impose escalating daily fines on the owner of 112 South Main Street for an unresolved wetland violation, marking the first time the commission has formally levied fines under its enforcement policy. The commission set a schedule of $100 per day for the first 15 days after service, rising to $200 per day through 30 days, then $300 per day — the regulatory maximum — until the owner files a notice of intent. Staff noted any collection may require civil action through the Select Board. Separately, the commission continued a contested notice of intent hearing for a wetland driveway crossing at 108 Proprietors Way to October 2, after Chase Road abutters disputed engineer Nile Zeger's finding that no perennial stream exists on the site, with one resident saying the waterway "runs constantly — day in, day out." The full commission will conduct a site visit, tentatively September 23, before the next hearing. The commission also approved a three-year extension of the order of conditions for the Sullivan and Wister Limited Partnership solar project at 45 and 63 Braley Road, citing continued ISO New England and Eversource review delays.