Easthampton Conservation Commission Approves Conditions for Lathrop Solar and Co-op Restoration Projects

EASTHAMPTON — June 22, 2026 — Easthampton Conservation Commission issues orders of conditions for two conservation projects. The commission approved conditions for a scaled-back solar canopy and maintenance building project at 100 Bassett Brook Drive, filed by Berkshire Design Group on behalf of Lathrop Community Inc. (MassDEP File No. 151-0338), after the applicant withdrew a proposed duplex from the original application. The order requires 100 percent survival of at least 27 native trees and shrubs in a 4,500-square-foot restoration vegetation filter strip, confirmed over two full growing seasons, with annual reports from a qualified environmental professional. The commission also approved a five-year ecological restoration order for the River Valley Co-op at 228 Northampton Street (MassDEP File No. 151-0339), requiring annual invasive management reports and including an in-perpetuity condition allowing mowing of up to one-third of the site's meadow annually. On the MassREADY Act, staff warned the commission that the Massachusetts House passed the bill with amendments that could allow the state to issue general orders of conditions exempt from local wetlands bylaws, though a penalty provision targeting municipalities with stricter local regulations appeared to have been removed before final passage.