Conservation Board Approves Three Site Permits

Conservation · Meeting of October 6, 2026

West Bridgewater's Conservation Commission approved three septic and stormwater permits and moved toward backing an emergency declaration for a collapsing town bridge. The board closed hearings and issued standard orders of conditions for septic upgrades at 97 Belmont Street and 99-101 Scotland Street, plus a stormwater permit for a contractor's yard at 65 Pleasant Street, all on unanimous votes. At Scotland Street, owner Stefan Gillings of Stefan Construction faced questions over drainage and clearing work done before permits were in place; one member said it was "catching up to them because we're catching it." Gillings said he inherited the problems, asking, "When I realized it, what can I do?" Hearings for vacant lots on Copeland Avenue and Bryan Street were continued to October 20.

The board also said the Select Board is expected to declare an emergency around October 20 for a bridge whose center span has collapsed into the river, allowing up to 60 days of expedited repairs ahead of a full state replacement not expected until 2029 or 2030.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,566 words

Source: the Conservation meeting of October 6, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.