Billerica Conservation Commission amends wetlands order for Vincent Street homeowners

BILLERICA -- March 24, 2025, Billerica Conservation Commission amends a residential wetlands order and clears maintenance work at the County Equestrian Park. At Monday's meeting, the commission voted to close the public hearing and issue an amended order of conditions for 22 Vincent Street, where owners Robert and Harriet Leach had scaled back a proposed addition from 810 square feet to 360 square feet, eliminating the need for one of two variances originally granted in 2021 and increasing restored wetland area by more than 2,200 square feet. Representative Ramsey Wade said the reduction "allows for a larger restoration area" and removes the need for a variance under the 25 percent impervious-surface rule, though the commission held a lengthy debate over a shed inside the 25-foot no-alteration buffer before allowing it to remain in place with conditions. The board also granted administrative approval for tree removal and sand replenishment at the County Equestrian Park, tied to a Community Preservation Committee application for close to $4,000 in repairs, and voted to sign a letter supporting a state Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant for regional flood modeling. Four pending Notice of Intent hearings were continued to April 14, April 28, and May 12 meetings.