With the population of some grassland bird species on the decline in some areas of Rochester, the Rochester Conservation Commission approved minor maintenance on East Over Reservation that should help birds and other species continue to thrive and flourish there.

Diane Lang, a representative of the Trustees of Reservations, came before the Commission on Tuesday evening to present their plan for the Platt Road site, which will include mowing of some areas of overgrown grass and cutting and maintenance of selected shrubs, with no excavation necessary.

The Commission unanimously approved the work, which will fall within the 100-foot Buffer Zone of bordering vegetated wetlands, and issued a negative Determination of Applicability, which allows the Trustees to proceed with the work without issuing a more detailed engineering plan. The only stipulation included in the approval was that they not work within 25-feet of the wetlands.

The Trustees of Reservations, who according to their website helps to “preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts,” will do the work with funds from a grant that allows them to maintain the property as a habitat for bobolinks, which are declining in numbers due to loss of habitats.

“They’ve disappeared from our [personal] fields, as have the meadowlarks,” said John Teal of the Commission. “They’re a desirable species. [It’s a] bird that is rare and only exists in grasslands.”

Lang said that the project was simply to maintain areas that had become overgrown and therefore threatening to the different species that live there.

“We’re not clear-cutting,” she said, noting that there will be no excavation or disturbances underneath the earth’s surface or any rooting. “There are areas within that that we want to cut back the shrubs and maintain it.”

Lang said they expect to complete the project before the end of the year.

The Commission also approved limited vista pruning for the Rochester Land Trust for their property located on Mary’s Pond Road, which is intended to improve the view of Leonard’s Pond.

As with the aforementioned project, there will be no disturbance to the land itself, and the Commission issued a negative Determination of Applicability, allowing the Land Trust to go forward with the project.

The Commission also discussed the possibility of the installation of a guardrail on the town’s Leonard’s Pond parcel that has just recently been cleared for a small parking area. The issue arose after it was reported that an unidentified well-drilling company’s truck had pumped water from the pond at the site.

“That’s not allowed,” said Chair Rosemary Smith. “You have to come in and request it.”

Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon said that she discussed the issue with the town Highway Surveyor, Jeffrey Eldridge.

By Nick Waleka

Coming before the Planning Board with completely new plans for 14 Barstow Street, Bruce Rocha with his architect, Anthi Frangiadis displayed detailed plans including a concept drawing of the completed building.  Prior to hearing, noting the applicant’s rationale for coming back before the board, Chairman Tucker reminded the public attendees that the board would not be approving plans, that that application would be taken up by the Zoning Board of Appeals at a later date.  Because the original plans were rejected by the ZBA as being too large for the neighborhood, Rocha and Frangiadis went back to the drawing board.  The original plan included a house that was 36’ wide.  The new design is only 19.5 with 10’ setback.  The parcel is in a flood zone, therefore all utilities will be situated on the second story of the structure and it will be slab on grade.  With no comments or questions from a group clearly present for this hearing alone, the application was accepted and they may now bring the plan to the ZBA for their consideration.

Roxanne Bungert, represented by her husband, requested a correction to lots located on River Bend Lane.  An error made by Earl Phillips for property he purchased from Bungert noted a piece of land that was never intended as part of his purchase.  With corrections necessary for clarity at banking institutions and the registry of deeds the board voted to make the necessary corrections to town plans and have Andy Bobola, Building Inspector write a letter for Bungert to present to the bank.

With the hearings completed for the evening the board members returned to discussions for repairing and improving language in several by-laws, part of a larger intuitive for all by-laws.  Chairman Tucker again noted for the public that the board was not re-writing by-laws but was attempting to improve the text and make them easier to work with and understand.  They have now completed trailers, screening, parking, signage, and common driveways.  The updated by-laws will be brought to a public hearing proposed for February 3, 2014 during a regular meeting of the Planning Board.  During January they will continue with their review and modifications taking on Marine Residences.

The next meeting is scheduled for December 16 at 7pm in the Town Hall conference room.

By Marilou Newell

Future planning for the town of Marion dominated the agenda at the Monday evening meeting of the Marion Planning Board.

“We are looking at the 2015 survey,” said member Ted North.  “What do the people of Marion want the town to look like in twenty years,” he asked.

Board member Rico Ferrari spoke and said that he wanted the board to come up with a “Readers Digest” version of a ‘view of where we are and where we want to be in the future’.

Planning Board member Jay Ryder spoke and said that “The first thing to ask ourselves and the town is…do we need a Master Plan…the answer is …yes, we do,” said Ryder.

“A lot of work has already been done,” said Ryder.  “ We had a 1995 survey, a 2015 Study, and back in 1998 there was a Marion Land Use Plan Survey done, so we have information that we need to combine,” said Ryder.

Ryder suggested that the board hire a consultant to help the board move forward with a plan for the future, for the town.  A spirited discussion ensued and all agreed that it was a splendid idea.

Ryder, along with other Planning Board members noted that the town plans must adhere with state grant plans for matching funds for town planning in the future. Again he noted hiring a specialist, who knows about state granting issues would benefit the town.

A lively discussion ensued, with board member Rico Ferrari discussing a Route 6 Development Plan to encourage business in town versus keeping the village businesses intact.

“The 2015 Report asked for slow, limited, controlled growth in Marion,” said board member Ted North.  “This is what Marion wants,” he said.

Steve Kokkins, a board member, spoke and said that seasonal and year-round residents input is very important and should be taken under consideration.  “Some of our valued residents are only seasonal,” and we need to consider the impact of these residents on future planning,” said Kokkins.

Also on the agenda was the request for an ANR application for 407 Front Street. The applicant, Charles Blanchette, was seeking approval for a joining of two lots located at 407 Front Street, front and rear. Paul Matos, an engineer with GAF Engineering was on hand representing the applicant. The request was to combine the two lots into one, which the board approved.

The board approved minutes and bills from prior meetings before adjourning.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry