Once again coming before the Rochester Conservation Commission were members of Renewable Energy Development Partners, LLC and their engineering consultants, Beals and Thomas, Inc. The goal of Tuesday night’s meeting was to provide the commission with an update on any actions or comments brought forward by the Rochester Planning Board, and any new information pertinent to the commission’s oversight.
Henry Ouimet, a Renewable Energy Development partner, told the board that the inclusion of five utility poles, not the previously noted four, was a requirement from Eversource. He said that the utility specified a clustered configuration of five poles versus a linear design of four poles.
Two abutters to the project, Trenton Blanchard and Zach Souza, both questioned the necessity of the five-pole cluster. Several times, Ouimet confirmed that this aspect of the project is dictated by the utility, but he said he would discuss the matter with Eversource for clarification. Ouimet also offered to meet with the abutters at the site to try and seek options.
Blanchard pointed out that the original conceptual drawings called for underground utilities, not overhead wiring, and that the poles being planned are “gigantic.” Souza called the poles “disgusting.”
Other matters discussed included pending approval by the state for a dual-use permit that would grant the developer permission for agricultural activities under raised solar panels. Ouimet said that, although the state had not yet granted such permission, the developer is moving forward as though it would.
The issue of screening from the pond side of the array was also discussed. Commissioner Ben Bailey, who is also a Planning Board member, said that the Planning Board is requiring complete screening from the water side. He went so far as to suggest “plastic” trees if need be.
The hearing was continued to November 16.
Also continued to November 16 was a hearing that was reopened to discuss a Notice of Intent filing by A.D. Makepeace Company for property known as Morse Swamp Reservoir, filed after an Enforcement Order was issued by the commission on December 16, 2020.
Bill Madden of G.A.F. Engineering, representing the cranberry grower, brought the commission up to speed on preliminary restoration planning for the site. He noted that dredged spoils would be used for various roadway improvements inside the agricultural site and that planting plans would be forthcoming with a spring start date.
An NOI filed by Kristen and Matthew Costa for property located at 70 Ryder Road received an Order of Conditions after the couple described plans to build an attached garage with a second-floor office space.
The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16, at 7:00 pm.
Rochester Conservation Commission
By Marilou Newell