Newbury Conservation Commission approves marina amendment, issues two negative findings

NEWBURY -- April 7, 2026, Newbury Conservation Commission issues permits, continues MBTA housing wetland hearing. The commission voted unanimously at its April 7 meeting to approve a marina float reconfiguration amendment for a Parker River property at 291 High Road, issue a certificate of compliance on a 20-year-old order for an undeveloped lot off High Road, and grant negative findings for deck projects at 41 and 88 Northern Boulevard and structure removal at 34 Central Street. The longest discussion centered on a continued public hearing for an MBTA-compliant multi-unit housing development at 34 Central Street, where consultant Maureen Harold of Norse Environmental Services presented a proposed one-foot-high, 12-foot-wide open-bottom box culvert that meets only half the required 0.82 openness ratio for stream crossings, and a wetland replication plan of 2,649 square feet against 2,611 square feet of bordering vegetated wetland impact. Member Mary Rimmer flagged unresolved questions about stormwater peer review, a 50-foot best management practice setback under water quality certificate provisions, and missing replication plan details required by state guidelines. Three Central Court abutters raised flooding, septic failure, and school bus stop safety concerns. The commission scheduled a site visit for April 16 and continued the hearing to May 4.