Commission Orders Peer Review of Pine Street Wetlands

Conservation · Meeting of September 8, 2026

Manchester-by-the-Sea Conservation Commission orders peer review of wetlands mapped for a proposed 136-unit apartment complex. The commission voted unanimously to seek an independent peer reviewer for wetland boundaries identified by Beals & Thomas on 25 acres of Gordon College land off Pine Street, where Jefferson Apartment Group has floated a 136-unit building, and continued the hearing to September 22. Beverly resident Corey Farinella told the commission he believes "there is more than three vernal pools" on the site, more than the three certified pools presented.

Separately, the commission pressed attorney Adam Zager of Choate Hall and Stewart for a timeline on filing an after-the-fact permit for unauthorized paving at Harbors Point Condominiums, tied to MassDOT rail work that damaged the lot. The commission also closed hearings and issued orders of conditions on four smaller projects at 5 Kings Way, 195 Summer Street, 21 Eaglehead Road and 6 Highland Avenue, and continued a School Street 136-unit apartment proposal to September 22 pending peer review.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,634 words

Source: the Conservation meeting of September 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.