Conservation Commission Approves Two Septic Upgrades, Advances Commercial Project to Order of Conditions

WEST BRIDGEWATER — March 3, 2026 — West Bridgewater Conservation Commission approved two residential septic upgrades and cleared a commercial project while pressing a subdivision developer on a contested wetland buffer encroachment. The commission issued negative three determinations with conditions for septic replacements at 18 Aldridge Road and 234 South Elm Street, granting a 50-foot buffer waiver at the Aldridge Road site at the recommendation of Conservation Agent Tim Hayes, who noted the work area is existing disturbed lawn. For 506 West Center Street, the commission voted to close the hearing and issue both a standard order of conditions and a general stormwater permit for Colvia Enterprises LLC after attorney Danielle Dufault confirmed the 53G peer review was complete and a Planning Board hearing is set for March 18. The most contentious item was a proposed 13-lot subdivision at 0 Bryant Street, where engineer representatives of property owner Charlie Macy argued the South Street road alignment — which requires roughly 14,000 square feet of 50-foot buffer zone work — is the only feasible design given flat terrain on the Bryant Street side, at a cost to the developer of approximately $750,000 more than the alternative layout; the commission continued that hearing to April 7, with members citing precedent concerns and requesting revised stormwater basin design, a missing culvert detail, and an invasive plant management plan for farmed wetland areas.