Bellingham Conservation Commission Approves Phased Restoration Plan for Church Wetland Site

BELLINGHAM — March 26, 2025 — Bellingham's Conservation Commission moved toward a phased wetland restoration agreement with a small church cited for unauthorized parking along the Charles River. The commission held an extended enforcement discussion with Pastor Michael Carrier and Deacon Matt Nicholson of the Bible Church at 365 Hartford Avenue, whose congregation spread bark mulch over a protected riverfront buffer zone, drawing an enforcement order. Select Board member Don Martinez told the commission he had secured use of the North Community Center's gravel parking lot — room for at least 20 vehicles — as an alternative for the congregation, with approval from Town Administrator Frame and notice given to the police chief. Commissioners said they would allow a small excavator, supervised by a wetlands professional, to assist with mulch removal rather than requiring costlier hand labor, and left open the possibility of phased plantings given the church's strained budget following a burst pipe this winter. The commission also reported that the permitted junkyard at 85 Hartford Avenue is under renewed scrutiny from fire, Board of Health, and state DEP for leaking fluids and other violations of a 2013 commission order, with a site visit scheduled. On routine business, the commission unanimously approved a negative determination of applicability for a septic replacement at 550 Wrentham Road, where a leach field installed two years ago failed due to high groundwater.