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12:06:24 am Rochester Planning Board - November 24, 2009

Categories: Rochester

A regular meeting of the Rochester Planning Board was called to order by Gary Florindo at 7:15 pm on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at the Rochester Town Hall. Also in attendance were Board Members Robert Cummings, John DeMaggio, Chris Byron and Colin Kelley and Planning Board Secretary Shirley Darcy. Chairman Arnold Johnson arrived at 7:45 pm. Member Stephen Healy was not in attendance.

The minutes for November 10 and 14, 2009 were approved. A site visit to the Seamass energy plant was scheduled for the Board Members for the morning of December 5.

A continued public hearing for a special permit for the "Forest Landing" on New Bedford Road that was scheduled for 7:30 pm did not take place, as Board Member Stephen Healy was not in attendance. Mr. Healy had already missed one meeting of the on the subject, which is allowed, as long as the member is brought up to speed at the next meeting. If Mr. Healy missed this one as well, he would not be allowed to vote or take part in the hearing, so the Board did not open the discussion, thus not forcing another absence upon Mr. Healy.

Due to the fact that the "Forest Landing" was not attended to, a special meeting will most likely take place on Monday, December 7, although the location was not certain. Mr. Cummings suggested the Rochester Police Station, but was reminded that it would need to be held in a public place. The Rochester Senior Center was suggested, but the Board agreed Rochester Memorial School would probably be the best place for it. A definitive answer was not available, as it needs to be cleared with the school.

Bonnie Belair met with the Board on behalf of the American Tower Company at 7:45 pm for a public hearing. Currently, a 97-foot cell phone tower resides in Rochester, allowing service for Sprint, Nextel and Metro PCS. The company's plan is to replace the tower and construct a 150-foot one, allowing for T-Mobile service as well.

The process for the company would begin by choosing a contractor for the job, apply the foundation, take down the 90-foot pole, attach the new sections and then add the antenna. The new part of the tower would take four to six weeks to assemble and the job of putting the new tower in place would take six weeks to two months to complete. Since the tower is less than 200 feet (above the ground,) flashing lights at the top will not be necessary and access to the tower site will not change.

Ms. Belair did not have the survey review from the FAA/FCC that would be necessary for this project to move forward. The Board did not come to a decision, but said it would come to one once all paperwork was submitted and the group would come together once again.

The motion to adjourn was set by Mr. Cummings and seconded by Mr. Florindo at 8:12 pm.

By Adam Silva

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