What started out as a routine Marion Planning Board meeting ended with discussions bordering on despair over the debt implications of various proposed town projects. The renovation or reconstruction of the Town Hall, a possible expansion of the library along with the recent estimate of $27 million for a water and sewer project with the […] Read more »
Rochester Town Meeting Date Set for May 21
The date for this year’s Spring Annual Town Meeting in Rochester has been set. Town Administrator Richard LaCamera informed the Rochester Board of Selectmen at their February 6 meeting that the annual meeting will take place on May 21. Warrant articles will be accepted through April 6, he said, and all zoning articles must be […] Read more »
RMS Draft Budget “Alarming”
Due to a tightening budget on the school and town, ten positions may be eliminated from Rochester Memorial School next year, it was revealed at the school committee’s February 2 meeting. Under intense financial pressure, the Town of Rochester asked the school committee late last year to propose a level-funded budget. To meet this request, […] Read more »
Town Asks Sippican for $215K Budget Cut
A packed house attended the Marion School Committee meeting on Wednesday, February 1 at the Town House to hear the committee discuss the town’s request to remove $215,000 from the proposed 2013 fiscal year budget. Principal Lyn Rivet mentioned three scenarios, which included programing and staff reductions. Ms. Rivet said that she was directed by […] Read more »
Groundhog Sees His Shadow
Punxsutawny Phil has seen his shadow. The famed groundhog predictor reports that the arrival of spring is another six weeks away. Recent warm weather might have put expectations to Phil not seeing his shadow, which would mean an early spring, so now the question is does this groundhog have something up his sleeve. If weather […] Read more »
Need for Blood Donations Ongoing
Many have heard the mantra to donate blood, but providers in the SouthCoast still are struggling to meet the need. The Southcoast Hospitals Group (Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham) transfuses about 16,000 units of blood per year, but only collects 37% of that […] Read more »
Rochester Center Zoning Changes Explored
Looking into the future, the Rochester Planning Board is setting into motion plans to revise zoning bylaws to encourage more mixed use and denser development in the center of town. The lull in the economy has freed up more time for the board to look into zoning changes that would impact the shape of future […] Read more »
ZBA Bay Watch 40B Hearings Begin … Again
After 10 years of litigation, Bay Watch Realty’s proposed affordable housing project appears to be inching closer to town approval. But still many details need ironing out before it is a done deal. On January 26, Bay Watch met with ZBA to kick off a whole new set of hearings for its latest modification of […] Read more »
Deer Crossing Issue Ignored in 40B Project
Bay Watch Realty Trust will not consider how its proposed affordable housing project off Route 105 will impact a nearby deer crossing, the developer told the Marion Conservation Commission at its January 25 hearing. “Loss of wildlife habitat isn’t a consideration in the Wetlands Protection Act, so […] Read more »
Town Eyes Boat Launch Service
Mattapoisett town officials are exploring the idea of offering a Launch Service this summer, it was revealed at the Board of Selectmen’s January 24 meeting. Town Administrator Michael Gagne said if it happens, a contractor would offer the service for a fee, thus the program would not affect the town budget. “They would look for […] Read more »