Cove Street Maintenance Planned

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Taking listed agenda items out of rotation during the September 9 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission, Robert Sylvia of Cove Street addressed the matter of maintenance of the private roadway.

            Currently on file with the Highway Department are two municipal agreements that provide for snow removal and twice-annual grading of Cove Street, but Sylvia cited some residents of the barrier-beach neighborhood were either not in favor of the agreement or unable to financially support roadway maintenance. He emphasized the good working relationship he has with Highway Surveyor Garrett Bauer and repeated his intentions were to make the neighborhood better for all.

            Sylvia stated that he typically grades and plows a portion of the road himself (he is a licensed heavy equipment operator) and that he is in conversation now with Bauer on type of gravel to be used.

            An audience member identified as Brian Blaesser said that the beach association will be holding its annual meeting over the weekend when the issue of road maintenance will be decided. Chairman Mike King said, “As long as you are all conferring, we’re good.”

            Later in the meeting the board heard four requests for amended orders of conditions for building lots located on Goodspeed Island. They are lots 29 and 29A owned by Caroline’s Way Trust, lot 2, 3 Goodspeed Island Road owned by Christopher and Mary Riley and lot 28A owned by Derek and Kylene Gregoire.

            All four requests would grant permission to the install a master sewer system that would service all the new homes, with associated easements, and to perform beach repair and nourishments as needed after storms. The requests were granted. Ownership of the equipment will become the town’s once the installation has been paid for, engineer David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Incorporated, stated.

            A Notice of Intent filed by John Igoe and Ruthanne Miller for the construction of a single-family home was continued pending more complete, engineered drawings, including stormwater systems.

            Negative determinations of applicability were granted to filings by Bryan and Paula Coffey, 0 North Road, for a fence and possible swale installation; Lynne A. Moody, 6 North Road, for septic upgrades, and Ronald and Cynthia Axelrod for the replacement of an elevated deck.

            A Notice of Intent filed by Michael Harrington, 9 Shore View Avenue, for the construction of a single-family home in a flood zone, was conditioned.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, September 23, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

September at the Rochester Historical Museum

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On September 18 David Schafer of the Sons of the American Revolution will be speaking about the research they do to find the graves of forgotten Revolutionary War soldiers in order to dedicate the gravesites with a marker. The program will begin at 7:00 and be held at the Rochester Historical Museum at 355 County Rd., Rochester.

Refreshments and conversation will follow.

            The Sons of the American Revolution is a national patriotic, historical and educational society whose members are direct descendants of those patriots who fought in the Revolutionary War.

            On Saturday, September 28 from 10 to 3 will be our last big fundraiser of the year. The current exhibit, which is supported by the Rochester Cultural Council, a town agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, will be open to the public, and we will have our Annual Cranberry Bake Sale and Raffles, but that’s not all.

             This year Cecelia will have jewelry and buttons with ideas to up cycle them to create something new and unique. It might be ornaments to hang on the tree or tie on to presents or wind chimes or new jewelry created from bits and pieces of older items.

            We’re also lucky to have two local crafters who work with shells, beads, decoupage and artisan glass and create one-of -a -kind items.

            As always, we will have our Rochester T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, maps, books and other items for sale. It is a good time to purchase or order some of the above for Christmas presents. Stay tuned as more may be added to our sales.

            This event will be at the Rochester Historical Museum, 355 County Rd., Rochester.

Marion Receives $212,675 Green Communities Grant

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Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman is pleased to announce that the Town of Marion has been awarded a $212,675 grant from the state’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER) as a part of the Commonwealth’s Green Communities Program.

            The grant funding is part of a statewide initiative to help Massachusetts cities and towns find clean energy solutions that reduce long-term energy costs and strengthen local economies.

            The grant will fund several projects in Marion, including:

            $29,825 for a heat pump system upgrade at the Front Street Pump Station

            $41,300 for variable frequency drives at the Wastewater Pollution Control Facility

            $104,080 for a building management system upgrade at the Wastewater Pollution Control Facility

            $37,470 for a transformer upgrade at Sippican Elementary School

            The Town of Marion received part of more than $7.4 million that was awarded to communities across Massachusetts to fund clean energy projects. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) awarded Green Communities competitive grants to 44 municipalities this round.

            “We are extremely grateful to the Department of Energy Resources and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for this funding,” Town Administrator Gorman said. “This grant allows us to continue to improve our energy efficiency within three of our municipal facilities and we look forward to completing this work.”

            Under the Green Communities Act, cities and towns must meet five criteria to be designated a Green Community and receive funding. The grants provide financial support for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the designated communities’ clean energy goals and are awarded to existing Green Communities that have successfully invested their initial designation grants and previous competitive grant awards.

            In total, DOER has awarded more than $185 million to Green Communities in Designation Grants and Competitive Grants since 2010.

            “Our cities and towns are playing a crucial role in accelerating our clean energy transition,” Gov. Maura Healey said. Their efforts not only advance our clean energy goals but also strengthen local economies and create healthier, more affordable communities. We are proud of these 44 communities leading the way in climate action and investing in local clean energy projects.”

Radon Presentation

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Radon: Just because you cannot see it, smell it, does not mean that it is not there.

            Do you know that federal and state guidelines recommend testing your home for the presence of radon? Radon is an odorless, tasteless gas and it may be in your home, whether it is an old or new build, with or without a basement. Radon is found in houses built on ledge and houses built on the sands of Cape Cod. This radioactive gas seeps undetected into homes from the ground, and such indoor exposure over time at elevated levels poses significant health risks, including lung cancer.

            Please join us at the Mattapoisett Library on Wednesday, September 25, at 1 pm to learn more. A representative from Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Radon Unit will share a PowerPoint presentation followed by a question-and-answer session, including discussion on how to detect, monitor, and if necessary, mitigate the presence of this radioactive gas in your home. All are welcome to attend.

Samuel Thomas Ogle

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Samuel Thomas Ogle of Cambridge, and Mattapoisett died on September 9, 2024, at the age of 76 after a long illness. Born in Philadelphia, he graduated from Franklin College and Northeastern University School of Business. Sam’s long career in information technology spanned society’s shift to the digital age. He adapted to these changes with his easygoing and clever approach to problem solving and to life in general. His quiet demeanor and self-effacing humor masked an inner confidence and sense of adventure that endeared him to everyone he met. Sam loved sailing his Nonsuch sailboat on Buzzard’s Bay. He was a car guy and had recently restored the Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto he purchased right out of college. He volunteered clearing and maintaining trails for the Mattapoisett Land Trust.  Sam had a keen eye for real estate and a creative vision for the potential of living spaces. An inveterate collector, he loved antiquing and finding new uses for found objects. His deep concern for the environment and enjoyment of it came together while walking the woodland paths on his property on Mattapoisett Neck with his beloved standard poodles by his side.

            He is survived by his wife, Deborah Smiley; a brother Peter Ogle and his wife Susan; a niece Hope Turenne, her husband Robert and their daughters Caroline and Lauren. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

            Please consider a donation in Sam’s memory to the Mattapoisett Land Trust.

Variance Could Be Replaced by Permit

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Rochester’s Planning Board meeting on Tuesday night approved the request by Snipatuit Solar LLC to extend for one year the special permits for its proposed solar-energy installation on 128 acres at 529, 523 and 0 Snipatuit Road and Featherbed Lane within the Mattapoisett River Valley Watershed and groundwater protection district.

            The vote came after project engineer Greg Sampson agreed to new terms that include the town being indemnified on the project owner’s liability insurance policy and increases in the bond amounts that the company must post.

            The five-year performance bond the company must pay has been increased to $21,000 and the decommissioning bond to $350,000. Sampson said a simple yes when Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson asked him if he was amendable to both increases.

            In other action, the board signed the draft letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a Use Variance petition for a plan to construct a multifamily unit on a lot barely more than one acre in size at 48 Pierce Street. At its previous meeting, the board had agreed to send notice to the ZBA that it opposes such a plan.

            The Planning Board also signed the Site Plan Review draft decision for the four-building, self-storage facility proposed for County Road that will include one multistory building.

            The board’s lengthiest discussion came when it reviewed the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee’s proposed bylaw changes for the January 6, 2025, Special Town Meeting warrant. One change would enact regulations for short-term rentals. A second would create regulations for accessory-dwelling units. A third would eliminate use variances.

            Review committee member Mark Wellington presented the Planning Board with the way the Cape Cod town of Truro regulates short-term rentals as an example for a possible Rochester bylaw. Truro considers a short-term rental if it is 120 days or fewer and requires an application fee; Truro’s is $450.

            The property’s well must be tested, and the property owner must present a Mass Tax Connect Certificate of Good Standing. In Truro’s case, the application can be completed online.

            As the Planning Board reviewed this example, its members added that well tests might be needed yearly for such properties, and septic-system capacity should be judged on the number of bedrooms.

            Zoning Bylaw Review Committee Chairman Richard Cutler said his committee’s plans for accessory-unit regulations are being complicated by new state regulations allowing such units in many cases by right.

            Regarding elimination of the “use variance” in favor relying on special permits for special requests instead, Cutler said most communities in the state have done away with them. “A use variance stays with the property,” Cutler said. “It confuses people applying for something. They go for use variance when a special permit will do.”

            Board members concluded that further review of the three changes should await discussion with Town Counsel. Johnson said that meeting is scheduled for September 24 and that boards are required to submit only placeholder articles, with language lacking specifics if necessary, for Town Meeting by October 31.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Should You Be Tested for Alzheimer’s Disease?

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 Several recent studies have promised a reliable test to detect Alzheimer’s disease in people with mild memory loss. What are these and should you request one?

            One test is a very expensive imaging test, a specialized PET scan that will almost certainly not be covered by your insurance and is probably still best used in the research phase.

            The other is a blood test – “phosphorylated tau” should you wish to Google it – that was reported to have over 90% accuracy in predicting Alzheimer’s in a group of elderly people (average age 74) who had either subjective memory loss, doctor-diagnosed mild cognitive impairment, or dementia.

            The blood test was better than both primary-care physicians and dementia specialists in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and will probably soon be clinically available.

            The real question, should the test be positive is: what next?

            The medicines available to treat Alzheimer’s are not miracles. Both the older oral medicines and the newer IV medicines slow down the progression of the disease but do not cure it.

            Considerable media attention and soaring stock prices have greeted the newer IV agents, but their results are only mildly better clinically than the old ones, and their potential side effects are worrisome, including bleeding in the brain.

            The British agency responsible for approving new drugs in the National Health Service just turned down Biogen’s drug, Leqembi, and its U.S. FDA approval has been controversial.

            There is hope, but it is yet unproven, that starting these drugs much earlier in the process might make them more effective. Hopefully clinical trials will be conducted to see if this is true.

            My strong feeling is that, for most people, the side effects of the newer drugs outweigh their proven benefits.

            Any medical test should only be done when knowing the results of the test is expected to have a beneficial effect on your health.

            So, putting the horse in front of the cart, if you are worried about memory loss, have a full discussion with a doctor you trust. Ask what would happen after a positive test before you are tested. Then you can make an informed decision.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

Mattapoisett Quakers Donation Drop-Off

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The Mattapoisett Friends Meeting will soon be holding donation drop-off times in preparation for an October 5 yard sale. This year, earnings will go toward renovations of their community hall, including replacement of rotted fascia boards and the addition of gutters. All donations are much appreciated. Please drop off donations at 103 Marion Rd. (Route 6) on Saturday, September 21 or Wednesday, September 25 between 10:00 and 12:00. Another option is Sunday, September 29 from 11 to noon. Someone will be in the community hall (the building in the back) to receive you.

            If none of the above times works for you, please email mattquakers@gmail.com in case something can be arranged. The Friends are looking for clean items including small furniture, and clean, ready-to-wear clothing. They are not taking large furniture, large appliances, electronics, or books at this time.

Sea Turtles in Massachusetts Waters

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The Marion Natural History Museum is hosting “Sea Turtles in Massachusetts Waters” on October 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Marion Natural History Museum, 8 Spring Street, Marion.

            Join us when we welcome Massachusetts Audubon Sea Turtle Stranding Coordinator Karen Dourdeville. Let’s hear about the efforts Mass Audubon is working on to protect these incredible animals in our waters.

            Karen Dourdeville is actively involved in sea turtle research and conservation. She works as the sea turtle research coordinator at Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, and her work includes rescuing stranded sea turtles, studying their behavior and addressing threats like boat strikes and habitat loss.

            Recently, she has been involved in documenting sea turtle nesting activities in Massachusetts, which is quite rare for the region. Her efforts are crucial in understanding and protecting these endangered species as they navigate the challenges posed by climate change and human activities. Program donations are $10.00 nonmembers, $8.00 for nonmembers.

Accessory Units Subject to State Law

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Marion’s Affordable Housing Trust held its monthly meeting on Tuesday night.

            Chairperson Eileen Marum called the meeting to order and asked for comments on the minutes of the previous meeting. These were unanimously approved as written, and the group proceeded with the scheduled agenda items.

            The first of these was an update and in-depth discussion on the recently passed state law, the Affordable Homes Act, and how the town will integrate its requirements, particularly on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s).

            Member Toby Ast reported that the new law supersedes town bylaws and regulations and highlighted some of the specific changes to expect, based on an assessment by outside counsel KP Law.

These included: Towns may not restrict the number of occupants, require that occupants of an ADU be relatives, or require more than one parking spot for an ADU; towns may put restrictions on short-term rentals or require site-plan reviews; and towns must require a cash bond from residents seeking to appeal a decision on an approval of their proposed plans.

            ADU’s will be considered “as of right” to build and not require special permits.

            The Marion Codification Committee has reviewed the report and made recommendations.

            There was a discussion on what the maximum size of an ADU should be. The state law does not specify, while the existing town limit is the lower of 1,200 square feet or 50% of the area of the existing home. The Codification Committee’s recommendation is 900 square feet, which AHT members consider to be too small.

            Next steps include meeting with the Codification Committee on Thursday, October 3, at 12:00 pm to review changes proposed by the Affordable Housing Trust. Once reviewed and approved, the town’s modifications will go to the Planning Board, then to Town Meeting for approval by residents and ultimately to the Attorney General for finalization.

            The meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm. Topics at the next meeting of the Affordable Housing Trust will include brainstorming on targeting CPC funds, updates on the 78 Wareham Street and Heren Cove projects and agenda items.       

The next meeting of the Marion Affordable Housing Trust is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, at 6:00 pm at the Police Station, 550 Mill Street.

Marion Affordable Housing Trust

By Mary McCann-Fiske