Panel rejects fine for rail trail fill work
The Townsend Conservation Commission voted 0-3-1 against fining Squannacook Greenways over rail trail fill work.
Conservation Commission · Meeting of October 14, 2026
TOWNSEND — The Townsend Conservation Commission voted 0-3-1 against fining Squannacook Greenways over rail trail fill work. Vice Chair Michael Potsaid, Clerk Abigail Farley and Commissioner Kim Greenough voted no on the proposed $100 notice of violation; Commissioner Sandra Lord abstained, and Chair James Gates recused himself. Bill, representing Squannacook Greenways, said the October 6 fill was safety maintenance on a trail the nonprofit built "without one... dime of Townsend money" after the town declined to take on liability.
Farley said the episode reflected "a breakdown in understanding on what distinguishes maintenance" rather than a violation. Separately, the commission unanimously approved a septic replacement at 2 Bayberry Lane after waiving a requirement to show all six wetland flags on the plan, and discussed hiring consultant Matt Marrow as interim conservation agent. The meeting adjourned for lack of quorum at 8:25 p.m.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,789 words
Source: the Conservation Commission meeting of October 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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