Rochester’s Planning Board Tuesday made progress on the Site Plan Review application to build a 20,000 square-foot commercial building for contractor bays with associated access drives, parking areas, utilities, and storm water management system on the west side of Cranberry Highway.

            The hearing was continued to the board’s next meeting, but not before it reviewed some positive developments. Applicant Sealord Enterprises representative Bob Rogers said he had not yet received the comment letter from the town’s peer review engineer that will help move the project forward. But Town Planner Michaela Shoemaker chimed in quickly with the news that she received this letter late this afternoon. “You have addressed all his comments,” she told Rogers.

            Planning Board Chair Arnold Johnson then led the board to approve the waivers being requested for the permit, all minor variances on requirements for drainage setbacks, landscaping plans and tree heights (because plan includes clear-cutting trees). He told Rogers his board was “all set” and could make an approval decision that night.

            Rogers said he preferred the continuance so the Conservation Commission can close out its hearing on the project next week, in case the plan needs to be adjusted for that board’s comments. The resulting vote approving the continuance was unanimous.

            Next, also after further review, the board continued to its next meeting the Definitive Subdivision hearing on a plan to create two house lots, one with a single-family home and another for a single-family home and agricultural building on a 14.4-acre parcel at 34 Dr. Braley Road.

            First, Johnson instructed the applicant’s engineering consultant, Todd Rodrigues, on some special requests. Johnson said the Highway Surveyor Jeff Eldridge wants a permit condition stating that if the use of agricultural buildings should change from a residence to being used for public events or parties, he wants the road in question paved. Secondly, Johnson asked that the front setback be increased from 50 feet to 100 feet. Rodriques asked if the plan could be approved that night with those conditions. Johnson noted the board will never approve a plan on the same night it closes a hearing.

            In other action, the board welcomed new member Matt Bache. He replaces Christopher Silveira, who did not seek re-election this year.

            The board reviewed the possibility of adding alternate or associate members. Board member John DiMaggio suggested the idea as a way to counter a regular board member’s long-term absence. Shoemaker noted alternate members are usually needed for a five-member board (the Rochester Planning Board has seven members). Johnson noted, for instance, Bache will not be able to vote on current projects being reviewed because he was not a member when their hearings began. Johnson ultimately instructed Shoemaker to check on what other towns have such members and what are the benefits.

            The board continued to its next meeting the Special Permit and Site Plan Review hearing for the proposal from Logging Swamp Solar dba ReWild Renewables’ to install a solar panel array on 49 acres in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road, located within a Residential-Agricultural District and partially within a Groundwater Protection District.

            The board maintained its same officers when it moved to re-organize. Johnson will remain Chair; John DiMaggio Vice-Chair; and Ben Bailey Clerk.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be Tuesday, June 24 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

            The town has spent an estimated $11 million on Lagoon No. 1 lining project but the Environmental Protection Agency is asking the town for more work to limit the output of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants into town waters, according to legal counsel and other officials.

            The Select Board on Monday met with Nathaniel Mufano, the Department of Public Works’ WPCF manager, as well as Town Counselors and Wastewater Treatment Specialist Kent Nichols, of Weston & Sampson.

            Wastewater officials and legal counselors reported that the town has submitted volumes of reports to the EPA and the state Department of Environmental Protection toward its goal of reducing wastewater output.

            Select Board members were advised on Monday that the town should begin budgeting around $100,000 a year to remove wastewater solids.

            “Everyone should know we should be prepared for that,” Select Board Chairman Randy Parker said.

            Nichols said that over the years there might have been some inaccurately high estimates of the amount of nitrogen output into nearby waterways.

            Still, both Nichols and town legal counselors said that the town has documented efforts and has been in continued talks with state and federal environmental officials toward relief from some of the mandates, without compromising the environmental concerns.

            Legal counselors said the town once sought a regionalized approach toward grant funding and remediation efforts, which have stalled, leaving the town to work alone on the endeavor.

            Nichols said the Lagoon lining project, which began five years ago, has cost around $10 to $11 million toward satisfying mandates.

            As part of the project, improvements and modifications were made to the lagoon system at the Marion Wastewater Treatment Plant. Through the project, Lagoon #1 was drained and biosolid waste had been removed. A liner system had also been installed.

            Town Counselors said the output of contaminants, especially to the town cove, continues to be a concern for environmental officials.

            Other issues raised on Monday include the price of removing waste, as well as ongoing changes to regulations.

            In another matter Monday, Mufano announced that the town has received a $94,000 grant for Silvershell Pump Station improvements, protecting it from flooding. The pump station is in need of upgrades and serves 400 properties in Marion Village, and is 800 feet from the coastline, according to Mufano.

            It’s the third largest pumping station in town and a 2019 study showed there is a high flood risk, according to Mufano.

            He said a bypass valve will be completed by the end of June as the first phase of the project. The second phase will include raising the doorway to the utility room, as well as installing flood-protective windows and resurfacing the floor there to make it more level.

            There will also be a chamber built, and an additional manhole cover to further protect the electrical and other equipment used at the station, Mufano said.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Town House conference room.

Marion Select Board

By Jeffrey D. Wagner