The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met on August 28 to review a Special Permit Request made by Mark Verille of 74 Allen Street for the removal of a 10×13-foot shed. The applicant seeks the removal of the existing shed and replacing it with a larger, 16×24-foot shed that would lie closer to the lot […] Read more »

                  After hearing the details of homeowner Jorge Rodriguez’s plan and neighbors’ concerns, Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals on August 28 continued a Special Permit Request to allow a personal fitness gym at 12 Mayflower Lane to its next meeting to give Rodriguez time to rethink his proposal.             Rodriguez explained he is looking to […] Read more »

Rochester’s Select Board met Tuesday to award citations congratulating four local Boy Scouts for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.             Noah Bellesville, Logan Empey, and Reece Bethoney of Troop 31 were present to receive their honor in person. The fourth honoree, Quinn Thompson, was unable to attend.             “While it’s a rare honor, it’s not […] Read more »

                  The Marion Marine Resources Commission held a brief meeting on August 20 at the town’s Maritime Center Conference Room. The meeting spanned less than 13 minutes but was filled with some unforgettable tributes. The Select Board and the MRC gave citations to retiring commissioners: Toby Burr, Greg Houdelette, Peter Borsari, and Eiv Strand.             […] Read more »

Rochester’s Park Commission on August 21 focused its discussion on needing a bigger budget for FY26.             Commission Chair David Sylvia said the board hasn’t had a budget increase since he began serving on the board 21 years ago. Its annual allotment is $25,000 for expenses and another $7,000 for salaries. He said the department […] Read more »

Michael King’s variance petition case 1563 involving King’s right to use 84 North Street as a farmstand came to an end on August 21. King, through his attorney James Marsh, asked for a withdrawal without prejudice which was granted by the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals.             King’s long journey to get a definitive ruling […] Read more »

The water-choking, invasive, plant species milfoil or water milfoils (Myriophyllum) was recently found growing in four of Rochester’s ponds: Snipatuit; Snows; Leonard; and Hathaway. The Rochester Water Commission may have a unique solution to the problem by buying its own weed-harvesting equipment.             The Water Commission met on August 13 to discuss this and other concerns […] Read more »

                  If all goes as planned, author David Green will be coming to town with tips on how homeowners can save energy. This topic was one of many energy-saving ideas discussed via Zoom at the August 24 Marion Energy Management Committee.             Green is a graduate of Oxford University and Harvard Business School and is […] Read more »

                  Rochester’s Planning Board Tuesday approved a modification of the Site Plan Review and Special Permit for a large-scale solar photovoltaic array at Rochester Memorial School which will allow construction to happen during the school year.             The plan in question is to construct a canopy-mounted 250KW AC solar array system over a portion of […] Read more »

            During the August 26 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board, the issue of ethics with respect to a short-term appointment became a flash point. The agenda listed “Action Items discussion and possible vote on Board of Health Interim Member to the Board of Health.” The appointment would fill a vacancy expected on the board […] Read more »