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 The commission at its May 13 meeting unanimously rescinded a January 14 waiver approval after Chairman Al Manzi, who cast the deciding vote, was found to be an abutter to the property at 989 Salem Street.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.