Shutesbury Conservation Commission Closes South Whorl Drive Hearing Unanimously

SHUTESBURY -- June 25, 2026, Shutesbury Conservation Commission unanimously closes a multi-session public hearing on a lakeside home rebuild within a wetland buffer zone. The commission voted 5-0 on June 25 to close the notice of intent hearing for the Gripco family's proposed reconstruction of a single-family home and new septic system at 36 South Whorl Drive, where portions of the project lie within the buffer zone to bordering vegetated wetlands. Consultant Rob Levesque of Levesque Associates presented revised plans addressing drainage rerouting, repositioned rain gardens, and a state regulatory exemption for driveway access work within the South Laurel Drive right-of-way under 310 CMR 10.02(2)(b)(2)(q). The Board of Health has already issued Title 5 approval for the septic system. Commission Chair Beth said the order of conditions, to be drafted and presented at the July 9 meeting, will require extension of the impermeable barrier around the southern end of the leach field, erosion controls during construction, and proof of all required local and state permits before work begins. Neighbor Tom raised concerns about abutter notice, driveway exemption validity, and septic proximity to the property line; no commissioner moved to seek independent review of the approved septic design.