Dudley Conservation Commission Approves Order of Conditions for Stevens Mill Redevelopment

DUDLEY — January 28, 2026 — Dudley Conservation Commission approves wetlands order of conditions for Stevens Mill redevelopment, 3-0 with one abstention. The commission voted Wednesday to grant a standard order of conditions to Stevens Mill Owner, LLC for the redevelopment of the historic mill complex at 8 and 10 Mill Street and 0 West Main Street along the French River, clearing a regulatory hurdle that had been pending since at least October 2025. Dan Wells of LEC Environmental and civil engineer Andrew Steiner of Bowler Engineering presented responses to Massachusetts DEP comments on the project's historic mill complex boundary, cumulative riverfront alteration, and stormwater management. The commission's environmental consultant, who submitted a written evaluation the night before the meeting, told the board the applicant's responses were "probably one of the most researched and thorough follow-ups that I've seen in a while" and recommended approval. The project will reduce impervious surface in the riverfront area by more than 6,000 square feet, with only a 640-square-foot parking expansion as the sole permanent new riverfront impact. Two other notices of intent — for 188 Southbridge Road and 54 Sawmill Road — were continued to the commission's February 25 meeting, and a certificate of completion was issued unanimously for 72 Flaxfield Road.