Whitman Conservation Commission Sends Middle School Culvert Project Back for More Detail

WHITMAN — June 2, 2026 — Whitman Conservation Commission continues Whitman Middle School culvert hearing, orders Columbia Auto to file retroactive wetlands permit. At the June 2 meeting, commission members pressed a project representative for additional technical detail on a planned culvert replacement at the middle school, including where bypass discharge would go, how much temporary fill material would be placed in the jurisdictional stream resource area, and how long the stream would be dewatered — continuing the hearing to June 16, the last practical date before school lets out around June 23. On a separate enforcement matter, commission member Ed presented survey findings showing an unpermitted two-bay garage addition at Columbia Auto, 681 Temple Street, was built within the wetland buffer zone without a Notice of Intent; the commission directed property owner Eduardo to file a retroactive NOI and install a chain-link fence along the wetland edge. An Eagle Scout also appeared to present completed fishing line recycling stations at Hobart Pond and Hardin's Pond, donating $63 in leftover project funds to the commission. Member Ed additionally disclosed that the owners of a 12.53-acre parcel at 16 Jacob Lane are seeking to sell at assessed value to conservation but may turn to a developer if a Community Preservation Committee application does not advance quickly.