Charlton Conservation Commission Defers Old Spencer Road Fines, Advances Two Lake Permits

CHARLTON -- June 18, 2025, Charlton Conservation Commission holds off on Old Spencer Road stormwater fine and advances two lake-area permits. The commission voted unanimously to continue the stormwater enforcement matter at 62 Old Spencer Road to July 16, declining to impose a previously threatened $300-per-day fine after Conservation Agent Rose reported that property owner Mr. Gauthier had extended a drainage pipe by 100 feet and that no road discharge was observed on June 17. Rose is pursuing a site inspection of the abutting property to identify the water's origin, telling the commission, "I think this is the closest it has ever been." Downstream neighbor Benning, who says the flooding has killed three to four hundred trees on his two-acre property, pressed the commission for answers on whether the town bears any responsibility for road drainage capacity. The commission also voted to issue orders of conditions for a multi-element lake-site improvement at 60 Pumpkin Lane and a septic replacement and garage project at 24 Willis Drive, approved a negative determination for a 130 Sturbridge Road commercial redevelopment after Planning Board and stormwater peer review were both completed June 17, and recommended five residents to the Select Board for appointment to the Fay Mountain Farm and Lakes and Ponds Committees.