The Rochester Planning Board began its meeting on Tuesday, August 18, by issuing a Certificate of Completion for the final construction of the new “Briggs Hobby Barn,” 618 New Bedford Road.
Built by Mark Briggs of Marion within the town historic district to store and repair collectible automobiles, trucks and other motor vehicles, the Hobby Barn plan attracted months of debate at Select Board, Planning Board and Zoning of Appeals meetings last year because of its massive two-building design. Board chair Arnold Johnson said Tuesday that his site visit to the address on that date showed him that everything is ready for the operation to open.
Next, the board signaled its approval of a Special Permit for a back lot subdivision at 83 Hiller Road that adds one new residential lot to an existing home lot. Property owner Michael Fitzgerald explained this would be a lot with frontage on Winters Way and would require a common driveway. The land’s 15 acres would fit this new home, but the original plans were not properly recorded with the county. The board said it would draft a positive decision, but that Fitzgerald must record a maintenance easement for the new lot and the driveway. Fitzgerald agreed to do so.
The board also approved the requested modification of the special permit and Site Plan Review application for Dexter Lane Solar 1, 53 Dexter Lane. That change is to remove the project’s proposed floating panels, associated fencing and battery energy storage system and reduce three of the bonds accordingly.
The board also officially approved the site plan review permit for High Street Solar, Site A. Site A of the 20-acre project is the southerly portion of the property close to High Street itself. The board had agreed to draft a permit decision in July.
In other action, the board continued to September 8 its hearing on a request to modify the Site Plan Review application for its senior living apartment building proposed for Rochester Crossing, 22 Cranberry Highway, upon the applicants’ request.
The board also continued to September 8 two site plan review hearings for Walnut Plain Road Solar, Walnut Plain Road, and High Street Solar, Sites B, at 0 High Street, also upon the applicants’ request.
The board continued until October 13 its hearing on a request to modify the definitive subdivision plan for property at Gerrish Road and Bishop Road, the previously approved “Snipatuit Pond Estates.”
The Rochester Planning Board’s next scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, September 8, at 7:00 pm at the town office building, 1 Constitution Way.
Rochester Planning Board
By Michael J. DeCicco