Orleans Conservation Commission Continues Garage Case, Approves Locust Road Conservation Restriction

ORLEANS -- June 2, 2026, Orleans Conservation Commission signals near-impossible bar for new garage in coastal ACEC, approves conservation restriction. The commission voted unanimously to continue a proposal by Frederick and Patricia Eppinger to build a two-bay detached garage at 32 Hayward Lane to July 7, with commissioners telling engineer Ellie of JT Engineering that only full-property naturalization, removal of an existing chain-link fence, and significant habitat restoration could plausibly satisfy the panel's regulations for the Aquifer and Coastal Ecosystems Community. "I don't want you to go down the path and spend time on an elaborate mitigation plan," said member David, "because I don't expect that it's going to help you in the long run." In a separate matter, the commission voted 7-0 to approve a conservation restriction at 32 Locust Road, required to be recorded by June 30 to fulfill a Massachusetts Conservation Partnership Grant Program reimbursement grant received by the Orleans Conservation Trust and authorized by voters at the May 11 annual town meeting. A revised plan request to add pool fencing at 21 Little Bay Road was continued to June 16 after commissioners said the change ran counter to the spirit of their original approval, which had contemplated an automatic pool cover in lieu of any fence.