North Andover Conservation Commission Voids Conflict-of-Interest Vote, Denies Salem Street Wall Waiver

NORTH ANDOVER — May 13, 2026 — North Andover Conservation Commission voids a conflict-of-interest vote and denies a Salem Street homeowner's retaining wall waiver on a 4-to-3 margin. The commission at its May 13 meeting unanimously rescinded a January 14 waiver approval after Chairman Al Manzi — who cast the deciding vote — was found to be an abutter to the property at 989 Salem Street. Town counsel, after consulting the state ethics commission, negotiated a re-vote agreement with applicant Colin Moriarty; Acting Chair Matt Mabin signed on behalf of the commission. In the re-vote, members Brad and a second dissenting colleague argued that moving fill and relocating the wall closer to the wetland boundary "is not going to be a net positive as far as erosion goes," and the waiver failed four to two with two in favor. Moriarty did receive unanimous approval for a separate amendment covering a garage addition, front portico, and AC units, subject to updated plans within seven days. The commission also approved a 4-to-3 waiver for a contested accessory dwelling unit addition at 200 Bridal Path — the second split vote of the night — conditioned on a pre-construction test pit, a dry well for roof runoff, and native plantings in a 10-foot-wide mitigation swath near the wetland.