Conservation Commission Unanimously Denies 129-Unit Prospect Hill Village Development

BELLINGHAM — August 27, 2025 — Bellingham Conservation Commission votes 5-0 to deny the 129-unit Prospect Hill Village development after two years of hearings. The commission, citing failure to meet performance standards under both the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and the town's local wetlands bylaw, rejected Wall Street Development Corporation's notice of intent for the project spanning multiple parcels along Lake Street and Prospect Street. Five members — Steve, James, Don, Ariana, and Chair Mike — cast eligible votes; members Pam and Nicole did not vote, having missed too many prior hearings to qualify. The denial, issued without prejudice, cited the applicant's refusal to re-evaluate quantification of 40,713 square feet of proposed riverfront alteration and failure to provide an alternatives analysis for stormwater facilities within the 25-foot no-disturbance zone. Conservation Agent Hannah must transmit the written denial by September 3, 2025, to meet the 21-day statutory deadline. Members noted openly that a WPA appeal to the state Department of Environmental Protection or a bylaw appeal to Superior Court is probable.