Bridgewater Conservation Commission votes to fine Wood Street owner for unpermitted riverfront work

BRIDGEWATER — October 9, 2025 — Bridgewater Conservation Commission moves to fine Wood Street property owner over unpermitted riverfront regrading. The commission voted 5-0 at its Oct. 9 meeting to initiate fines against the owner of 16 Wood Street after the property owner failed to attend the hearing despite receiving a certified-mail notice, according to Conservation Agent Caitlin Potts. Chair Marilyn McDonald, who has served on the board for 11 years, said it was the first time in her tenure the commission has been forced to pursue fines, calling the situation "a sad day for conservation." The town's local wetland bylaw sets a maximum penalty of $300 per violation, with each separate provision violated counting as a distinct offense — meaning unpermitted work within the 200-foot riverfront area could generate multiple simultaneous daily fines. Potts said she will consult with the town attorney and the state Department of Environmental Protection to confirm the legal mechanism before fines are formally assessed. The commission also issued a certificate of compliance for 904 Auburn Street and approved an updated Claremont Lakeshore Vegetative Management Plan after the state rare-species program cleared the project with six added conditions.