The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals on July 13 granted Craig Canning of Rochester Farms a Special Permit to develop a 60-acre parcel at 0 Marion Road into a farmer’s market and surrounding organic farm.
Two 7,200 square-foot buildings are slated for the site, as well as parking and entrances that will be limited to a 3.9-acre area of the lot.
The Special Permit was required to allow for the use of a commercial retail outlet at the property that lies within an Agricultural-Residential Zone.
Of the 91 abutters notified of the project, only 14 attended the meeting, which the board vocally acknowledged as a sign that most abutters were okay with the project. Some in attendance, however, had a few questions for Canning – as long as the questions stayed within the purview of the ZBA, commented Chairman David Arancio. Aspects of the plan involving parking, traffic flow, and drainage would be handled by the Planning Board, he stated.
The Cutlers, who live directly across the proposed farmer’s market, voiced some concern over the proposed entrance to the parking lot, which Canning had agreed prior to the meeting to shift about 20 feet west from the originally proposed location, which pleased the Cutlers.
ZBA member Kirby Gilmore, however, was unhappy that the board did not have a plan reflecting this change, and made the motion to continue the public hearing until the board received an updated plan. The motion was not seconded and the hearing continued.
Canning stated that construction and development of the land would likely take at least two years or possibly more, so prospective shoppers would have to wait a while before shopping for locally-sourced organic produce and other agriculturally-derived products, products of which the Special Permit limits in the conditions.
One resident likened the proposed market as being like a Cumberland Farms and that property values nearby will drop.
Board members determined that the proposed use of the farmer’s market and surrounding farms would be a good use of the land, keeping in harmony with the agricultural setting of Rochester.
“Aside from conservation [restriction] or hayfield, I think it’s a great use for the property,” said ZBA member Davis Sullivan. “There are other uses that wouldn’t be as harmonious with a farm community. That’s my feeling on it.”
Gilmore suggested limiting goods that could be sold to those of an agricultural nature to avoid selling “ancillary” products.
“I’m absolutely fine with that,” said Canning. “This is not a speedy mart.”
Some specified products the board prohibited were alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and lottery sales.
“These to me are the big ones,” said ZBA member Thomas Flynn.
A second Special Permit allowing signage that exceeds 9 square feet was also granted.
The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for July 26 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.
Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals
By Jean Perry