If Rochester is to make significant progress toward the creation of affordable housing, the town will first need to determine what parcels of land are needed for already established projects.
Rochester Affordable Housing Inc., a 501c3, not-for-profit organization, is seeking land from the town for that purpose, but Gianno Letteri, the organization’s president, and vice president Paul Wellington seem no closer to starting a project after appearing before the town’s Board of Selectmen at its February 3 meeting.
Citing only four to eight units of so-called affordable housing in the town, Wellington appealed for the land to build more targeted at people over age 60 and veterans.
“We’re definitely looking to increase that at this point,” he said. “If you folks turn (the necessary land) over to us, we’re going to own it, we’re going to manage it.”
Wellington said he had over 40 years of experience in real estate, and is working with Richard Cutler to establish plans based on what land can be obtained.
The snag with his proposal was two-fold in that it wasn’t specific enough, and the competition for land is steep in Rochester.
“I couldn’t let a piece of property go for less than fair-market value because we may have to buy other properties,” said Board of Selectmen Vice Chairman Brad Morse, acknowledging the proposal as a “valid concept.”
Given discussion of a new fire station (see below) and a potential transfer station among other things, town land is at a premium.
“We have some needs with some of these parcels of land, and I don’t know if we’re at the point where we can decide… If we respond… what does the Town of Rochester have afterwards?” said Board of Selectmen chairman Paul Ciaburri, asking Letteri and Wellington if they had considered establishing a partnership with Annie Maxim House Inc., a charity for senior housing.
Rochester Selectman Greenwood “Woody” Hartley III estimated there are 50 501c3 organizations in Rochester, including sports programs and groups, that would expect the same land charity that RAHI seeks. While the responsibility would not lie with the taxpayer, he argued, it would be a dangerous precedent not to seek fair market value for a parcel of land.
Wellington asked the board if it would consider leasing the land, but the board was hesitant to entertain any transfer of property without specific plans in writing.
“If you were coming in here as a Rochester board, we would be having a different conversation,” said Hartley, noting that some surrounding towns have housing authorities. Rochester does not. “We need a master plan. We have some big projects coming down the road. Plans like that change in five years because things change so fast. We support the concept, but we need it to be more developed.”
Wellington said Cutler would produce a Request for Proposal (RFP).
“We’re trying to fill a hole that does not exist. We continue to look for any opportunities that we can,” said Wellington. “We’re not doing this for anyone other than town residents or vets that are in town.”
In a much briefer discussion, Rochester Fire Chief Scott Weigel addressed the Board of Selectmen to initiate discussion and seek ideas regarding the need for a new fire station in town.
Hartley suggested more boards be involved in establishing a building committee.
“I’d like you to give a little summary of where we keep our equipment now,” said Hartley, noting the need for specifics on the value of equipment needing protection. “People need to understand where we are right now, if you think that’s a good idea.”
Weigel said he would like to see a building project underway within a couple of years and agreed to send a letter to all the town’s boards seeking potential committee members. Weigel also noted that Rochester is owed close to $200,000 in ambulance fees that he is looking to collect.
It was agreed to table the subject until more information was obtained.
Rochester resident Paul Dawson addressed the Board of Selectmen and gained unanimous approval as the new Interim Town Clerk.
He will work from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Monday-Thursday and 4-6 pm Monday afternoons and fill the position until the next election when it’s determined whether the position will be elected or appointed.
“The goal,” said Dawson, “is to have a town clerk’s office that is readily available or is open when the town hall is.”
Dawson brings a wealth of experience to the position, having recently retired as Marion’s town administrator while also having held comparable positions in Winthrop and Stoughton.
The board also issued a citation of gratitude for retiring town clerk Naida Parker.
In other news, Emmanuel Matias has been appointed a part-time police officer in Rochester. Matias, a Dartmouth High School graduate who worked as a deputy sheriff in Bristol County, was proposed by Chief of Police Robert Small.
Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar gave a preliminary financial report featuring progress toward the town’s financial goals.
Also at the meeting, Hartley noted that the Old Rochester school district search committee sent three names to the school committee for consideration for superintendent. The committee accepted those and will conduct interviews and make selections. The process is expected to be completed by March 1.
The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectman is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18.
Rochester Board of Selectmen
By Mick Colageo