Kingston Conservation Commission Enforces Compliance on Rabbit Road Amid Broader Conservation Concerns
- Meeting Overview:
The Kingston Conservation Commission’s latest meeting addressed several issues, most notably the ongoing enforcement challenges related to unauthorized construction on Rabbit Road. The commission decided to issue an enforcement order mandating the property owners to submit necessary engineering documentation within a specified timeline or face daily fines, while also considering broader conservation concerns.
Discussions revealed a consensus among commission members that further delays were unacceptable, with one member emphasizing the need for a definitive timeline after a year of unresolved issues. The commission proposed issuing an enforcement order requiring the submission of an engineer’s letter within 30 days. This document must verify that the construction adhered to the block manufacturer’s specifications. The urgency was further highlighted by the commission’s agreement to impose a $300 daily fine if the documentation was not submitted by the deadline. This decisive action aims to ensure compliance and uphold local conservation regulations.
Sean Stangalini, a local resident, provided public input, recalling that a previous deadline had already been set for documentation submission. He sought clarity on the expectations, prompting the commission to confirm that the received document did not meet standards and required further clarification. Additionally, the commission acknowledged concerns about stormwater runoff from the property, noting that construction on Rabbit Road might have exacerbated runoff issues affecting neighboring areas. This acknowledgement highlighted the interconnected nature of environmental and compliance challenges, prompting the commission to initiate a review.
Meanwhile, the meeting also featured discussions about a solar project at Ring Road Solar, which involved an amendment review and a request for determination of applicability (RDA). The debate focused on the commission’s authority to alter conditions of previously issued permits. A member questioned the characterization of a solar array as a normal agricultural improvement, arguing that regulations lacked explicit language to support such a claim. The member noted that if a project was exempt under specific regulations, orders or conditions would be unnecessary. The discussion acknowledged the impact of local deer populations on cranberry harvesting.
Comments from the Cranberry Growers Association underscored broader concerns about deer as a persistent issue. The conversation touched on potential safety benefits of solar installations in agricultural settings, with references to the Smart Program’s design to support growers. It was noted that the project was situated in a riverfront area, aligning with Wetlands Protection Act exemptions. The commission was advised to focus on the filing’s content rather than site development performance issues. Ultimately, the recommendation was to issue a negative determination of applicability under both the Wetlands Protection Act and Kingston Wetland Protection Regulations.
In another segment, the commission addressed a proposal from Boy Scout Troop 49, represented by Dylan Baraka, who sought permission to camp at the Outway Preserve for an Eagle project. The project involved improving the roller coaster boardwalk at Hathaway Preserve. Baraka confirmed the fire department’s permission for a small fire during the camping activity. The commission expressed unanimous support for the project, recognizing its community value and approving the request following a motion and second.
The meeting also included a public hearing regarding a request for determination of applicability for a property on Rabboth Road, submitted by Stenbeck and Taylor on behalf of the property owner. The applicants requested a continuance to October 8th due to outstanding materials, which the commission agreed to. Additionally, a public hearing concerning a notice of intent for constructing a single-family home within environmentally sensitive areas was addressed. The commission received necessary information on stream categorization and stormwater drainage calculations, prompting a recommendation to continue discussions until October 22nd for further peer review and analysis.
Environmental Commission Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Environmental Commission
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
09/24/2025
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Recording Published:
09/24/2025
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Duration:
74 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Plymouth County
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Towns:
Kingston
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