Acushnet Conservation Commission Deadlocks on Hathaway Road Wetlands Violation

ACUSHNET — February 19, 2026 — Acushnet Conservation Commission deadlocks on a Wetlands Protection Act violation at 35 Hathaway Road, continuing the matter to February 25. Two competing motions — one to continue for more information, one to direct the property owner to file an after-the-fact Notice of Intent with DEP — both failed after neither secured proper seconds across the four-member board, with one abstention recorded on the second motion. Bob Hinkley of the Board of Selectmen addressed the commission, clarifying that MS4 stormwater infrastructure falls under the Selectmen's jurisdiction while wetlands violations remain with Conservation, and noting that the incident has triggered a broader town audit of municipal stormwater culverts and drainage areas. The commission separately approved adding Environmental Partners as a stormwater peer review consultant and voted to have Conservation Agent Julia investigate budget funds for a dedicated office laptop and cell phone, after a commissioner reported his personal computer appeared to have been accessed without authorization while being used for town business.