In a letter dated March 1, Brona Simon of the Massachusetts Historical Commission requested that the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs order an archeological survey of the 620 Boston Road property before ground is broken to construct a large-scale solar farm.
The letter asserts that the area is an archeologically-sensitive area rich in history and likely riddled with artifacts and unmarked graves.
The area was once home to the town’s earliest meeting house, and an ancient native trail once ran north and south through that part of Rochester, largely following current day Dexter Lane to the east of the project site.
The site was also once known as the “Bowen Site,” a recorded ancient Native American site interpreted to be a large village. Boundaries and the locations of what the letter refers to as “important archeological features and deposits” have not been established.
The site lies within the town center, a recorded listing of the State Register of Historic Places, and, as Simon states in the letter, has previously been recommended for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
“Construction of the project as proposed would adversely affect any important archeological deposits and features located in the project area, and could impact unmarked graves,” the letter reads. “The goal of the archeological survey is to locate, identify, and evaluate any significant historic … resources and any unmarked graves that may be affected by the project.”
The purpose of the survey is “to provide sufficient information to consider feasible alternatives to avoid or mitigate and adverse effects to important historic and archeological [artifacts] in the project impact areas.”
Copies of the letter were sent to the Rochester Board of Selectmen, as well as NextSun Energy, National Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Wampanoag Tribe, and the Rochester Planning Board, Historical Commission, and Historic District Commission.
Abutters and members of the town’s Historical and Historic District Commissions have vocally opposed the project, concerned about the visual effects the solar farm will have on the historic area. The project is still in the site plan review process with the Planning Board.
In other matters, the Finance Committee gave a brief update on efforts to balance the fiscal year 2017 budget. The committee continues with its concerns about the town’s assessment for the Old Rochester Regional school budget.
The FinCom proposed an ORR budget stabilization fund to alleviate any future spikes in the town’s assessment. This fund would require Town Meeting approval.
The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for March 21 at 6:30 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.
By Jean Perry