Stoneham Conservation Commission Approves Two Wetland Projects, Debates Forest School Proposal

STONEHAM -- June 8, 2026, Stoneham Conservation Commission approves stormwater and wetland work at two sites while holding off on a forest school proposal at Whip Hill Park. The commission voted unanimously to lift an enforcement order and issue an order of conditions for a slope restoration at Laurie Lane, with licensed wetland consultant Maureen Harrell presenting photographic evidence the repair was complete. Members also approved a notice of intent for a Department of Conservation and Recreation project at the Pond Street and West Wyoming Avenue intersection, authorizing three rain gardens totaling 27,000 square feet of green stormwater infrastructure, new sidewalks, granite curbing, and pedestrian safety upgrades, with construction not expected before spring 2027 pending funding. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's proposal to dredge roughly 15 to 16 cubic yards of sediment from the Spot Pond Reservoir auxiliary spillway channel was continued to the July 13 meeting, with a site visit set for July 10 at 3:30 p.m. The most contentious item was a proposal from the Mulberry School, a tuition-charging, nature-based program currently enrolling 11 students, to operate an accredited pre-K through grade 6 school on town-owned Whip Hill Park conservation land; one commissioner said flatly, "I really think we have to get a legal opinion," and the commission took no vote, seeking school committee and legal guidance before acting.