Board Hits the Brakes on Gas Station Construction

The Rochester Planning Board, unhappy about what Chairman Arnold Johnson called a violation of the terms set during site plan review, gave a preview of what is to come at their next meeting after breezing through a couple of approvals during the July 26 meeting.

Colbea Enterprises, developers of a proposed Shell gas station and Seasons convenience store on Cranberry Highway at the corner of Routes 58 and 28, will be back in front of the Planning Board for commencing excavation for construction at the site prior to holding a pre-construction informal meeting with a representative from the board, as stipulated in the 2014 conditions of approval.

Johnson said Town Planner Mary Crain contacted one representative of the developer who Johnson said “pled ignorance.”

Johnson said the building permit could be revoked if the developer does not comply with the terms.

Planning Board member Gary Florindo added, “I’m going to ask them why they unloaded the excavator onto the blacktop that the state just installed last year.”

Also during the meeting, the board approved the Special Permit, Groundwater Protection District Special Permit, and Scenic Highway Special Permit for Meadowatt, LLC, developers of a proposed large-scale solar farm on Route 105.

The board also approved Ryan and Kristina Bacchiocchi’s daycare expansion parking area application for 428 Walnut Plain Road.

“This is probably one of the simplest decisions that we’ve issued in a long time,” said Johnson, giving two thumbs up before calling a roll call. All board members gave approval just before member Lee Carr decided to feign a moment of doubt to mess with Ms. Bacchiocchi who was eager to see the plan approved. The board and Bacchiocchi chuckled.

“You’re starting to act like Ben,” joked Florindo, referring to member Ben Bailey.

The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for August 9 at 7:15 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

By Jean Perry

 

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