Panel Halts Driveway Sign-Off Over Unpermitted Clearing
Other Committee · Meeting of August 19, 2026
Hampden Conservation Commission holds up a driveway permit after builders cleared trees near wetlands without approval. Engineer Will Walter, representing Graham's Construction and owners Alston and Elaine Graham, said the company received a notice of violation after clearing land for a three-lot subdivision off Highland Circle, and has since paid an $1,800 fee to the state Natural Heritage program and filed for a wetlands determination. The commission voted unanimously to withhold sign-off until after a site inspection.
In a separate unanimous vote, the panel issued a negative determination for Eversource's Echo Valley Drive Reliability Project, clearing roughly 2,324 feet of new gas main along Wilbraham Road. The commission also voted to install Heather Birch as its new conservation agent, replacing an outgoing agent who called it "an honor" serving the town.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,911 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of August 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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