Shutesbury Conservation Commission unanimously approves South Laurel Drive demolition and rebuild permit

SHUTESBURY -- July 9, 2026, Shutesbury Conservation Commission approves order of conditions for a South Laurel Drive demolition and rebuild project. The commission voted 4-0 at its July 9 meeting to issue the order for 36 South Laurel Drive, authorizing demolition of an existing single-family home and construction of a replacement structure, new septic system, driveway, retaining wall, and stormwater improvements including rain gardens within the buffer zone to bordering vegetated wetlands. Chair Beth Douglas walked the board through draft special conditions, and Commissioner Bob McDuffie prompted a late revision requiring the applicant to obtain all local permits before initiating any work "under this permit." The 10-business-day DEP appeal window is expected to open during the week of July 14. The commission also heard from homeowners Terry and Dave Bernard of 375 and 371 Locks Pond Road, who described a deteriorating intermittent stream eroding toward a well, septic system, and structural supports; Douglas said DEP generally disfavors burying streams in pipes and committed to researching permitting options while McDuffie flagged the parcels as a likely priority area in the ongoing Lake Wyola watershed stormwater study being conducted with FRCOG.