Weymouth Conservation Commission Issues Three Approvals, Challenges Braintree Warehouse Project

WEYMOUTH -- June 28, 2022, Weymouth Conservation Commission approved a coastal dune restoration, two pool and deck permits, and a gas main installation while authorizing a legal-toned letter challenging a Braintree warehouse project threatening a certified vernal pool in Weymouth. The board voted five to zero to issue an order of conditions for 104 Kings Cove Beach Road, requiring 69 square feet of American beach grass dune restoration, an aluminum split-rail fence, and removal of Japanese knotweed and boulders from the dune. Negative three determinations were issued unanimously for an above-ground pool at 45 Padula Road and a deck replacement at 53 Colonial Road. For the Banner Park development in Braintree, a warehouse project with construction within the 50- to 100-foot buffer of a certified vernal pool on New England Wildlife Center property in Weymouth, Conservation Agent Mary Ellen told the board that the draft follow-up letter cites the Bosworth precedent upholding commission authority over vernal pool buffer-zone impacts, and that appeal or litigation remains possible if the Braintree board closes its hearing without requiring significant changes.