The Marshfield Conservation Commission opened 2026 with a heavy agenda focused on residential buffer zone protections and significant restoration mandates. At 1222 South River Street, applicant Mark Blossy presented plans for a pool house, sport court, and ADU conversion. Engineer Dana Altobello described the site, stating, This project is located... on the northerly side of South River Street, approximately 1,000 ft from the intersection of Perry Street. Conservation Administrator Mike Seele noted the existing activity, observing, The single family home in the back is already under construction... it's well outside of that 100t buffer zone. Commissioner Corey Miles pushed for tighter environmental controls, noting, I would like to see some trees remain. I mean, especially when we get down to the 50ft buffer. Blossy emphasized his commitment to the aesthetic, saying, I don't love taking trees down either... I want a nice private dwelling in the back. Motion Made by Corey Miles to close the hearing and issue an order of conditions. Vote Passed 5-0

The meeting took a more serious tone during after-the-fact hearings for 212 and 224 School Street, where extensive tree removal occurred without permits. Consultant John Zimmer represented the homeowners, explaining that at 224 School Street, the residents did not understand that they needed to come to conservation, you know, before they did that. Neighbor Elise Leforest spoke in support of the clearing, stating, I think they personally I think that they did the right thing in protecting their real estate cuz the trees are coming down. Commissioner Sam Malafronte sought to improve the restoration plan, suggesting, I think it would be beneficial to spread out some of those plantings as you discussed. Commissioner Jesse Platt scrutinized the plan details, noting, Looks like you've put conservation markers on the plan. Chair Craig Hannafin clarified the board’s role to abutter Lori Fopiano, who asked, Are they within the buffer zone? Is that why they're coming to you? Hannafin responded, We have jurisdiction because of the wetland issues, but this plan meets our requirements for permitting. Motion Made by Sam Malafronte to close the public hearing and issue the order of conditions for 224 School Street with Mike's special conditions. Vote Passed 5-0

Infrastructure and maintenance also took center stage as Paul Armstrong of Social Pile Driving requested emergency repairs for a dock at 81 Grand View Avenue. Armstrong explained the structural issues, saying, The end where the pier goes out... is flexing a little bit and as we know... it's crucial that we maintain that. Motion Made by Craig Hannafin to allow Mr. Armstrong to replace the piles as necessary. Vote Passed 5-0 at 1339 Ferry Street, consultant Paul Steber presented revised plans for a driveway, noting, The concrete walkways and patios are now proposed to be pervious pavers as requested. Commissioner Elizabeth Lake questioned additional impacts, asking, Is there going to be any sort of any sort of additional patio area like on the perimeter? Motion Made by Corey Miles to close the hearing and issue the order of conditions. Vote Passed 5-0

The commission also addressed coastal construction at 24 Old Beach Road, where Brian Taylor proposed a new deck and shed. Taylor detailed the elevation plans, stating, The lounge deck will be built on sauna tubes with wood posts and will be elevated above the grade about 3 ft. Motion Made by Craig Hannafin to close the hearing and issue special conditions. Vote Passed 5-0 Finally, the Marshfield Airport project moved forward with Susanna Montu of GZA providing finalized site plans. Montu confirmed, The revised plan includes updates... as well as the addition of a concrete berm extending from the existing fuel farm. Motion Made by Sam Malafronte to close the public hearing and issue the order of conditions. Vote Passed 5-0 Motion Made by Craig Hannafin to close the Conservation Commission meeting for Wednesday, January 7th, 2026. Vote Passed 5-0 The meeting was adjourned at 1:30:17