There will be an ORCTV Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, March 27 at 5:00 pm Via Zoom meeting and in person at the ORCTV Studio 135 Marion Road, Mattapoisett.
The link for the Zoom meeting is: us02web.zoom.us/j/9377728445?pwd=U2hNdU9OZEVzbVYwMmFnbFppOE9TQT09&omn=81699895463 Meeting ID – 937 772 8445 – Pass Code – 1uGsze.
The Marion Planning Board met Monday, March 17, for two continued hearings including further discussion on short-term rentals (STRs) and the proposed bylaw in reference to them. The meeting began with comments on community outreach, with Vice-Chair Alanna Nelson mentioning comments and complaints she has received regarding the new Harbormaster Maritime Center and its stairs and lift system.
At certain times of day, Nelson noted, some have complained the bottom step leading up to the offices is hidden by shade, thus making it difficult to descend the steps safely. Regarding this, Chair Andrew Daniel said he would reach out, on behalf of the Planning Board, to Harbormaster Adam Murphy to discuss solutions to this possible hazard. Other complaints regarding the elevator/lift system of the new office. “It’s not an elevator, it’s a lift” Daniel clarified. The Chair suggested signage on how to operate the lift may be helpful, as it does not function the same as a traditional elevator. This will also be included in the Board’s discussions with the Harbormaster.
The public hearing on a Special Permit for FSJ Marion Realty, LLC 207-215 Wareham Street was again continued, this time to April 7, 7:10 pm per request of FSJ.
The continued discussion on the proposed section of the Zoning Bylaw, a part of the Town General Bylaw, regarding short-term rentals was then raised. “We made a lot of edits” Chair Andrew Daniel stated. Following sending the draft to Town Council, the Planning Board received the draft back with “pretty minimal changes” Daniel stated. Town Council polished some terminology and grammar, as well as adding existing general law and bylaw citations where needed, including with regard to the certificate of registration.
The board unanimously agreed to remove a section regarding exceptions, primarily regarding the number of days rented. Andrew Daniel stressed the need to stop a runaway effect whereupon more and more “dwellings become rental properties” and the fear of someone receiving housing payment assistance while also renting out part of or the whole property. Various other changes and tweaks were discussed, many grammatical or done to trim up the draft.
A letter from a resident and Airbnb owner regarding benefits short-term rentals offer was then read. One of the primary positives was stating they “allow residents to rent out unused space.” The note also added “there is a small group vilifying short-term rentals.” Economic and business advantages were also listed.
The public hearing was then closed, followed by the unanimous acceptance and approval of the proposed changes from Town Council and the Planning Board’s work during this meeting.
The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, April 7 at the Marion Police Station.
Marion Planning Board
By Sam Bishop
To the Residents of Marion:
Although the village still looks much the same as it did when I first arrived 53 years ago in 1972, many people, including myself, feel that a plan to protect our beautiful and historic architecture is needed.
We also need a proposal that offers thoughtful guidelines to future construction so that neighboring property owners do not have to get directly involved in often heated debates about the architectural merits and scale of a new house. The current proposal of the Historic District Study Committee, as presented at the recent February 18th open meeting, is a fair one to achieve these goals.
At that meeting, I listened to the legitimate concerns of a number of residents who expressed opposition to the Study Committee plan. I know most of these friends and neighbors very well. Some are involved in real estate investment and construction and own property within the proposed district. Their concerns with the creation of a new oversight commission to limit their property rights is not the main problem.
The greater concern is that, with the high desirability of living and owning property in Marion Village, there is increasing pressure to demolish smaller, historically valuable houses, or to purchase vacant lots or non-historic properties and maximize the profit potential of new construction without consideration for the overall effect the new structure will have on the immediate neighborhood.
This situation is already ongoing in Marion. As long as the builders and the new property owners stay within existing laws and zoning regulations, there is nothing the Historical Commission can do to prevent the approved construction of a new or enlarged building. We also cannot stop the demolition of a house, no matter how important it may be architecturally or historically, if the owner wants to remove it.
Therefore, for the greater good of all of us who love our surroundings, and who also cherish our individual freedoms, I think that the current proposal for the establishment of an Historic Village District with a very limited area and clearly defined powers and controls will go a long way towards protecting the beauty of the historic village we all enjoy.
Bryan J. McSweeny, Member
Marion Historical Commission
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The Old Rochester Regional High School (ORRHS) Early Childhood High School Students are excited to host Touch A Truck—a fun-filled, hands-on event for children and families.
This free event will take place on Saturday, May 17 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at 135 Marion Rd., Mattapoisett. A rain date is scheduled for May 18.
Families will have the opportunity to explore and interact with a variety of vehicles, including police and fire trucks, tractor-trailers, farm equipment, and more. In addition to the exciting vehicle displays, there will be an interactive outdoor family fun experience planned by ORRHS Early Childhood High School students.
All children attending will leave with prizes. For more information, please contact Liz Kennedy at elizabethkennedy@oldrochester.org. Join us for a day of fun, learning, and hands-on exploration.
The Friends of Plumb Library will be holding a 2-day book sale in the library’s downstairs program space on Friday, April 25 from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Saturday, April 26 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.
The Library will begin accepting donations of books, DVDs, puzzles, and CDs for the sale on April 1st. Funds raised from this event help support programming for kids and adults year-round. We hope to see you there.
Danielle Lucille Laurent Francis passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on September 6, 1930, in Paris, France, she was the beloved daughter of Madame and Monsieur Laurent. During World War II, she immigrated to Canada with her mother and brother, later settling in Marion, Massachusetts, where she made a lasting impact on her community.
Danielle had a deep love for animals, especially dogs. She was known for her compassion, often offering dog houses to families who kept their pets tied up outside, ensuring every animal had a warm and safe place to rest.
A graduate of the Emma Willard School in Troy, NY, Danielle continued her education at the prestigious Sorbonne in Paris. She was a vibrant member of the Marion community, enjoying her time at the Sippican Tennis Club, the Beverly Yacht Club, the Marion Art Center and the Marion Mallot Club. An avid traveler, she spent time in Tahiti visiting her brother and exploring the world with a spirit of adventure.
Danielle was a gracious and generous host, best known for her lively New Year’s Eve parties, where she brought friends and family together in joyful celebration. She also had a successful bed and breakfast for years in Marion, The Landing, where she hosted many interesting people.
She was predeceased by her beloved brother, Jean Jacques Laurent. She leaves behind her three nieces, Danielle Laurent, Yvette Clavier, and Marie Therese McClintic, who will cherish her memory and continue her legacy of kindness and love.
A celebration of Danielle’s life will be held on Thursday, April 3rd at 11 AM at. St. Gabriel’s Chapel 124 Front St. Marion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Gabriel’s Church or a local animal shelter, reflecting her lifelong dedication to the well-being of animals.
May she rest in peace, remembered for her generosity, warmth, and adventurous spirit.
Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Gregory Q. Burke, 57, of Marion, passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2025, at Tobey Hospital, Wareham. He was the husband of Kathleen R. (Brown) Burke and the son of Joseph J. Burke, Jr. and the late Geraldine A. (Boland) Burke.
He was born in Wareham and lived in Marion all his life. He attended Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School.
Mr. Burke worked as an electrician along-side his brother and son in the family business, Oceanside Electric. He was proud of his son following in his footsteps and excel as a Master Electrician.
He enjoyed listening to music, campfires, admiring his wife’s gardens, traveling and getaways, trips to the casino and grilling in the summertime. He loved his family and he and Kathleen were inseparable.
Survivors include his wife, Kathleen R. (Brown) Burke of Marion; a son, Jeremy Burke of Marion; his father, Joseph J. Burke, Jr. of Marion; 2 sisters, Kathleen Burke-Edmonds of Rochester and Maureen Couto of Middleboro; 2 brothers, Kevin Burke of Marion and Joseph J. Burke, III of Plymouth; several nephews and nieces.
Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 pm on Monday, March 31, 2025 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.
For more information or to leave a message of condolence, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.
The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met briefly on Thursday, March 13 for a continuance for a request of the owners of 6 Cole Road for a Special Permit. The permit request, if granted, would allow for the demolition and subsequent reconstruction of a non-conforming single-family dwelling. The new construction would not increase non-conformity but would increase the dwelling’s overall volume and area.
Robert Grillo, Building Commissioner, apologized for being absent at the last meeting and explained the unique issues and clarified some confusion regarding the property and two lots at 6 Cole Road. Through looking at old zoning maps, one from 1974 and one from 1999, Grillo explained the residence zoning had been changed from A to C and that both lots are conforming and “met all criteria.” It was also stated the Special Permit request is for only the front setback and not the sides. The Special Permit request, following Grillo’s explanation, was approved unanimously as presented.
A request for comment from the Planning Board was also brought up for 63 Oakdale Avenue with a hearing to be held on April 7. Will Tifft explained “nobody in the immediate area has any concerns.” Following those comments, the meeting was concluded.
The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals was not discussed at adjournment.
Marion Zoning Board of Appeals
By Sam Bishop
Rochester’s First Congressional Church located on 11 Constitution Way has announced its 3-year capital campaign to renovate the exterior of the property. The plan is to restore the church’s Sanctuary and Vestry buildings as both buildings were built during the early-1800s. The current proposal is exclusively an exterior renovation in order to preserve the historic site. Church member Chuck Kantner said in a statement, “The intent is to mirror as much as possible the original appearance, replacing wood with high-quality composite materials and the old windows with new in the original style.”
The church sits between Town Hall and the Joseph H. Plumb Library, with the church itself being established in the location in 1703, about 17 years after the town of Rochester was incorporated. The project is currently in the fundraising stage with total estimates for completion being around $450,000, per Kantner. Currently, fundraising has mostly taken place within the church’s own congregation.
By Sam Bishop
The Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion are excited to announce that the star attraction at their 2nd Annual Afternoon Tea fundraiser will be local singer-songwriter Grace Morrison. The event will again be held at the Marion Music Hall on Sunday, April 13. It will begin at 3:00 pm with a sumptuous tea of assorted tea sandwiches, scones and desserts, with the performance to follow.
Grace Morrison grew up in Wareham and has devoted her life to making music and perfecting her unique style, which she calls Saltwater Country, also the name of her latest album. Audiences around the country have become captivated by her personal and endearing connection with her listeners.
Tickets, which are $45, are limited and can only be purchased with cash or check at the Elizabeth Taber Library, 8 Spring St., where they will go on sale Monday, March 24 at 2:00 pm and every day that week from 2:00 pm until closing until they are sold out. All proceeds go to benefit the programming and other needs of the library.