Goshen Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission Meeting: Show Cause Hearing for Alleged Illegal Dumping
A drone photograph taken by a neighbor is alleged to show excavators digging a pit last Fall at 225 North Goshen Road for dumping of waste materials. A series of photos were provided to the Inland wetlands & Watercourses Commission on January 22nd.
1/8/26, 7:15 PM
Present: Chair Lorraine Lucas, Vice Chair Tom Stansfield, Commissioners Devin Stilson, Matt Wheeler, Dante Malanca, Adam Andrusia, and via Zoom, Ray Turri, and Enforcement Officer Spencer Musselman
Old business discussed at the Jan. 8 meeting included a summary of the Dec. 18, 2025, 225 North Goshen Road ”show cause” hearing. A special meeting was held where Chair Lucas read a cease-and-desist notice for illegal dumping of refuse and other materials within a regulated wetlands upland review area. The notice was sent via certified mail and marshal service to Ike’s Auto Body, Inc.
While no one from Ike’s Auto Body attended the special meeting, the commission was made aware that the law firm of Minnella & Tramuta will represent Ike’s Auto Body. Neither could attend the December 18 meeting.
Mr. Musselman provided an update that he has not heard from DEEP, the new property owner does not plan on doing any work on the property until spring, and they have denied doing any dumping. Musselman said it’s clear that dumping has occurred based on video evidence. He said he will continue to monitor the situation.
The procedure for Ike’s to plead their case was discussed as was third-party testing. The clerk will post notice of continuation of the hearing in the paper. A motion was made and seconded to continue the show cause hearing on Jan. 8.
At the continuation, Chair Lucas asked Attorney Minnella about the cease-and-desist order. He indicated their understanding is that this recently acquired property is not open for business and has no knowledge of any illegal dumping or any illegal activity. They said they can’t speak to the video yet.
The commissioners suggested that a third party investigate and flag the wetlands. The property owner has a consultant that will assist with inspecting the property. The property owner has only been on the property once. He has pictures to show the mess that was there when he took over the property on Sept. 18, 2025. He said he will personally be involved in getting the property right.
The commissioners showed appreciation that someone is trying to improve the property but are very concerned that evidence provided shows someone is burying debris.
The commissioners want to see what will be proposed to fix this issue, a third-party review of the findings, and a look at the excavations. The attorney reiterated that they take this very seriously and have consulted with a third party.
The commissioners want to know who the players are and that they are going to be out on the property. Mr. Musselman would like to be there as well.
The owner of the property was anticipated to advise about access to the property. This hearing will continue Jan. 22 at 7:15 p.m.
