The Rochester Conservation Commission on Tuesday reviewed an important update on two Notices of Intent hearings for High Street Solar 1 and 2 at 0 High Street, which propose work within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone for a ground-mounted solar array. One NOI is for Lots 4 and 5. A separate NOI was filed for Lots 6, 16, 17, 35, 21, 20, 22, and 35.
Project representative Eric Weinstein explained there are no changes to Site A since the hearing began in March. However, there have been sizable changes to Site B. A proposed access road has been removed from the plan after town officials told the planners that including this access was not necessary. This change, he said, eliminates the wetlands buffer complications and abutters’ concerns.
Weinstein said in conclusion that more changes will be made to the plan after he receives the town’s peer-engineering review. He requested the hearings be continued to the commission’s May 5 meeting. The commission quickly agreed.
Before this result, Rochester Environmental Planner/Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly asked how close the work, as currently proposed, comes to the wetlands. Weinstein said the work will affect the wetlands buffer zone but will not have a direct impact on the wetlands.
Rochester resident Kelly Barratt told the commission she is sponsoring a Citizens Petition article for the May 18 Annual Town Meeting that adds to the town’s existing solar bylaw and in effect works against more solar farms being approved in town. “We’re just not happy to see so many solar sites come to town,” she said. “We support wildlife, we support our town character.” Specifically, she said after hearing, the petition seeks to prevent large clear-cutting of trees to create a solar installation.
In other action, the commission instructed Chair Christopher Gerrior to draft a letter telling town officials that the board needs a full-time conservation agent. This move responds to recent word that Kelly is being reduced to part-time at 24 hours per week as a cost-saving move for FY27. Kelly’s work is too vital to commission operations for her hours to be reduced, board members agreed.
The commission approved a Certificate of Compliance for substantial completion of a house construction project near wetlands at 32 Gerrish Road.
The next Rochester Conservation Commission meeting will be held on April 21 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.
Rochester Conservation Commission
By Michael J. DeCicco