Panel presses Lady Slipper developer for runoff data

Conservation · Meeting of September 22, 2026

Chelmsford's Conservation Commission continued a contested Lady Slipper Lane subdivision hearing to October 13 after an abutter challenged the project's runoff and vernal-pool analysis. Abutter Kate Ravanis of 25 Amble Road argued the applicant "carries 100 percent of the burden to demonstrate resource protection," presenting slope calculations she said showed a 16 to 20 percent grade draining toward her property. Commissioner Dave McLaughlin told engineer Brian Milisci of Haley-Ward he needed "evidence that corroborates" no runoff increase, while attorney Douglas Hausler urged the board to act, saying "at some point, we've got to draw enough is enough." The commission's amended continuance requires Department of Public Works confirmation, Planning Board input on slope stability, and direct answers to the runoff and vernal-pool questions before October 13.

Separately, the commission unanimously approved National Grid's removal of 12 hazard trees from four conservation sites, approved a garage-apartment project at 10 Lillian Avenue with three conditions, and accepted New England Power Company's withdrawal of a 100 Equador Road filing after requiring roughly $2,000 in peer-review reimbursement.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,229 words

Source: the Conservation meeting of September 22, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.