Shutesbury Board of Health approves Pelham Hill septic permit, advances Lakeview loan

SHUTESBURY -- July 8, 2026, Shutesbury Board of Health clears a Pelham Hill Road septic permit and signals support for a betterment loan at 80 Lakeview. The board voted unanimously 4-0 at its July 8 meeting to approve a Disposal Works construction permit for Walter Tibbetts at 285 Pelham Hill Road, after inspector Megan Chodron reviewed and recommended approval. Chair Catherine Hilton then briefed members on a proposed betterment loan for the owner of 80 Lakeview, who needs a septic repair before selling the property; the town holds two potential funding sources, including a state grant fund and a separate 1990s-era account with roughly $19,000 restricted to septic repair that lacks the lien-on-default protection of the state program. Loans under the program run 20 years at 5 percent interest, with repayments added to twice-yearly tax bills. No vote was taken on the loan; the item returns July 29 when contractor Dennis Clark's estimate is expected to be in hand. The meeting was also the first for newly elected member Claire Pless.