Conservation Commission Approves Driveway Shift, Sets November Planting Deadline at 175 North Street

BELLINGHAM -- September 10, 2025, Bellingham Conservation Commission approves driveway shift at 175 North Street and sets November 26 planting deadline for buffer-zone restoration. The commission voted unanimously at its September 10 meeting to allow applicant James McGrath's driveway to be relocated approximately 15 feet west to improve sight distance, with the new edge of pavement sitting 30 feet from the nearest wetland flag. A separate enforcement order for the same property was directed to the October 8 agenda, with a revised native-planting plan, prepared by Northeast Ecological Services and to be updated by Land Planning's Bill Holson, required by that meeting and all plantings in the ground by November 26. In an informal appearance, Colleen Riley of 380 Lake Street sought guidance on bringing her property into compliance before installing an in-ground pool, and the commission advised her that a wetland delineation, estimated at $800 through Land Planning, is the necessary first step given an intermittent stream identified as part of Hog Brook running through the southern portion of the property. A second resident, Dan Kelly of 340 Lake Street, raised unresolved concerns about root damage and stormwater runoff at the adjacent Snail Estates subdivision, prompting the commission to direct staff to contact Planning Department staff and report back at the September 24 meeting.