Conservation Commission Rejects Certificate of Compliance Bid for Massasoit Road Property

Conservation · Meeting of March 4, 2026

Gloucester Conservation Commission declines to approve a certificate of compliance for a Massasoit Road property where commissioners found significant unpermitted riverfront disturbance. The panel directed applicant Daniel Fonzie, represented by Aiden Church and Joel Vazza of Seaside Legal Solutions, to return with a disturbance calculation covering the full original parcel before and after a recent subdivision that created adjacent lot 37 Massasoit Road, which has its own pending notice of intent for a second home. Conservation Agent Chuck identified an additional 1,388 square feet of riverfront area disturbed beyond the 750 square feet listed in the July 2020 order of conditions, and presented aerial photographs showing clearing that extended well beyond the approved limit of work.

Commissioner Dave Sargent said the changes were not minor and called a certificate of compliance "not a proper procedure for resolving so many outstanding issues." Chair Peter Iliadis warned that a restoration plan designed around the footprint of the future house on lot 37 would amount to backdooring approval for that project. The commission also continued NOIs for new construction at 75 Essex Avenue, 22 and 22R Eastern Point Road, and 95 Eastern Point Boulevard, all to its March 18 meeting.

In the full story:

• The complete report, 1,322 words

Source: the Conservation meeting of March 4, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.