Bellingham Conservation Commission Orders Wildlife Habitat Study for 129-Unit Development

BELLINGHAM -- June 11, 2025, Bellingham's Conservation Commission required a wildlife habitat assessment for the proposed 129-unit Prospect Hill Village townhouse development and raised sharp questions about its peer reviewer's billing rates at the June 11 meeting. The commission reached consensus without a formal vote to direct BSC Group to scope a wildlife habitat evaluation of roughly 25,000 square feet of proposed riverfront alteration, five times the 5,000-square-foot threshold that triggers commission discretion under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, at an estimated cost of approximately $1,200 on top of an existing $3,700 peer review proposal. Applicant's attorney Paul McManis flagged that BSC's proposal implied rates of $300 to $325 per hour without identifying the staff member performing the work, prompting members to direct staff to request credentials, rate justification, and an overage policy before the next hearing. The commission also amended an enforcement order for 12 Monique Drive, extending the notice-of-intent filing deadline to July 23, and continued all open hearings, including the Prospect Hill Village matter and a 123 London Street commercial redevelopment, to June 25.