“The report that cost the town $120,000 was based on unreliable assumptions and ignored the impact of existing development closer to the wells and instead targeted the 40B.” - Town Administrator Michael Maresco

Marshfield Officials Call for Investigation of $120K Water Report

Select Board seeks answers on report deemed “unreliable” by experts

Published on:

06 Feb 2025, 11:54 am

Town officials are calling for an investigation into a $120,000 water impact report prepared by the Board of Public Works, with concerns raised over its accuracy and the motivations behind its findings. The discussion took place during the Select Board meeting on January 27, where Town Administrator Michael Maresco criticized the report, stating that independent experts had “completely refuted” its conclusions.

“The zoning board of appeals’ three experts, including two experts that traditionally worked for the Board of Public Works on water supply protection issues—Patrick Brennan and Ed Eisner—completely refuted the results of the Board of Public Works report,” Maresco said. “The report that cost the town $120,000 was based on unreliable assumptions and ignored the impact of existing development closer to the wells and instead targeted the 40B.”

The report in question examined the potential impact of the proposed Bridal Path housing development on the town’s water supply. According to Maresco, it was used to “spread on social media” and drive public opposition to the project, ultimately bringing 800 residents to a Special Town Meeting in December.

Select Board Chair Lynne Fidler echoed concerns about the situation’s impact on town operations. “People were angry. They were very concerned about the Ferry and Church Street wells,” she said.

Maresco further alleged that the Board of Public Works has “openly opposed and delayed” the Bridal Path project since August 2024, adding that the town has now spent significant funds on a report that experts have dismissed.

“I believe that an investigation is warranted into what happened and who was behind it and why the town wasted the $120,000,” he said. “And why there has been a delay in completing this study.”

The Select Board is expected to discuss the matter further at its next meeting in February. It remains unclear what form the investigation would take or whether the Board of Public Works will formally respond to the allegations.