Panel cites new owners over Brentwood Drive clearing

Conservation · Meeting of July 8, 2026

READING — The Reading Conservation Commission opened an enforcement case over tree clearing within a wetland buffer at 10 Brentwood Drive. Chair Brian Bowe said the new owners cleared trees and invasive growth up to their rear property line, inside the required 100-foot buffer under state and local wetlands rules, after a resident complaint prompted an inspection by Conservation Administrator Charles Tirone. Owner Sherry Souther said she believed the adjoining land was private, not conservation, property: "I didn't know there were restrictions on privately owned property." The commission ordered a wetland scientist delineation, a site visit for July 13, and a restoration plan due before the July 22 continued hearing.

Separately, the commission revisited a long-standing shed encroachment at 38 Bond Street, now requiring removal since the shed's original resident-owner has died, and reported two denied MassTrails grant applications. Members approved the June 10 minutes 5-0.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 1,981 words

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