A small but vocal group of homeowners in the Connet Woods subdivision protested the planned location of a mail kiosk at Tuesday’s Rochester Planning Board meeting, expressing frustration with the developer’s perceived lack of transparency and dissatisfaction with the Board’s proposed placement of the structure.

An at times heated discussion on the item dominated the evening’s proceedings, lasting upward of 90 minutes. Traffic congestion, safety, aesthetics, zoning requirements, the wishes of the postmaster, and other considerations had member Susan Teal “trying to build a matrix in my poor head.” She was not alone, as members pored over documents and photographs while keeping up with public comment.

Since the postal service will not deliver to individual mailboxes in the subdivision, its residents must use a kiosk, currently drawn up for Lot 107 on Box Turtle Drive. Abutters voiced concerns about noise pollution, privacy, accident risk, and interrupted sight lines if the common box were to be moved there.

“I wouldn’t have purchased the property had I known about this,” said one resident. “We chose this area specifically for the features of the neighborhood. These designs and the footprint have to be reconsidered.” Another described herself as “furious” at not having been notified by Edgewood Development Company, adding that “there has been a lot of wasted time. Here we are, and nobody’s happy, and it’s not fair.”

While the kiosk would currently have to accommodate only 20 residents, the proposed design anticipates future phases, and could ultimately handle mail for 52 Connet Woods lots. It would measure approximately 8 feet high, according to Tim Higgins of Edgewood. A subsequent companion kiosk in a different spot would add capacity for the remaining 65 lots in the development, which is located off of Ryder Road.

According to Chair Arnold Johnson, the post office “prefers” that there be two structures, and that they be located near the ingress points in the community.

“Their biggest issues are safety and access,” Johnson said, repeatedly rejecting suggested alternatives from residents as unsafe or impractical. “It’s a dilemma.”

One idea that did gain traction late in the meeting was from resident Justin Gear, who said that a pull-up lane could be built at the front of the subdivision – and adjacent to his property – necessitating the clearing of “only a few trees” and not endangering pedestrians. The Board’s response was positive, and Johnson encouraged the residents and the developer to reconvene and come up with a solution.

“We’ve heard a lot of great testimony tonight, and I hope you don’t think we’ve taken your concerns lightly,” he said. “You guys need to get together and come back to us. I’m putting it back in your lap. Stake out the options, and we’ll come out and take a look. I think we’re heading in the right direction here.”

The Board will revisit the item at its next meeting on April 9.

Meanwhile, the Board postponed discussion on Shawmut Associates’ recycling facility, and undertook informal talks about whether to present their zoning articles to Rochester voters at the annual Town Meeting on May 20 or at a special Town Meeting in the fall, when their issues might be less likely overshadowed by budgetary matters, and quorum requirements would be lower. The consensus was to wait until the fall.

By Shawn Badgley

Mattapoisett’s Board of Selectmen moved quickly through a short agenda that was long on good wishes, aspirations and creative marketing opportunities.

First up was the distribution of Certificates of Appreciation to Judy Anthony and Kathy DeMello for their dedication and good works with the Council on Aging.

Next came Paul Wildnauer from Greatscapes with a proposal from the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association for the town’s participation in a statewide campaign titled “Don’t Just Stand There … Plant Something,” slated for May 15. This program, which is a joint initiative with the Massachusetts Flower Growers Association, is to help nurseries partner more closely with their communities, providing professional services and plants for public beautification projects. The Board was delighted at the opportunity to have a public location of the town’s choosing freshened up with new plantings. It was suggested that the sign near the industrial park would be an ideal location. The Selectmen’s office will publicize the volunteer opportunity to the citizens and also reach out to local organizations that are looking for these types of projects.

Town Administrator Mike Gagne then gave his report. Gagne said that the town had been approached by a television production company to produce a 30-minute show about Mattapoisett. The final product would air over several cable stations for approximately 20 time slots. After some discussion about the benefits such marketing programs could generate for Mattapoisett, Chairman Jordan Collyer noted that the $20,000 commitment required by the town was difficult to accept.

This led to a lively discussion about what could be done in-town versus using outside services to help market the virtues of Mattapoisett and the harbor resource to a wider audience. Such diverse ideas as producing mobile applications, a website for Mattapoisett Harbor, and video clips for websites were all inspired thoughts. Collyer also said that although the town had previously contacted the producers of “Chronicle” about using the Tri-Town area would prove more attractive than just one community. The Fox program “Zip Trip” had been a big success in the past and maybe they could be invited to return. Several of the ideas will be taken up for greater exploration. The Board held that it is necessary to help promote the use of the harbor as a destination point not unlike Martha’s Vineyard.

Gagne then addressed his second item: an article for Town Meeting regarding analysis of future facility needs. With a capital needs assessment and master plan done, Gagne offered that the possibility of soliciting expert and professional volunteers from town to help craft the use assessment for the public’s review might work well. It was noted that the voters might feel more comfortable with ideas fully fleshed out by fellow townspeople whose knowledge in construction, building materials, engineering and facility use could be key to moving needed projects closer to real development. All agreed that getting experts on board to suggest ways that projects can be done — such as a new Town Hall or Fire Department — is a different approach than what has previously been used.

Collyer commented that a “full vetting of ideas” was necessary.

“It is critical to get the right people involved,” Selectman Paul Silva said.

The Board then heard from Kathleen LeClair and Kelly Weglowski of Healing Little Hearts for an upcoming road race proposed in town. LeClair and Weglowski said that the group organizes fundraising activities for research done at Boston Children’s Hospital on congenital heart defects.

Mattapoisett Police Chief Mary Lyons explained the necessity of the race taking place in October due to the number of activities planned between May and September. The race will be scheduled sometime between October 12 and 14 to coincide with Columbus Day. The Selectmen’s office will assist the planners with coordinating Department of Public Works and insurance paperwork. This will be the first time the group has brought this activity to Mattapoisett, where they trust participation will be strong. Their request was approved.

The Selectmen then went into Executive Session. Their next meeting is slated for April 9 at 7:00 pm.

By Marilou Newell

Blue Wave Capital revealed more about the solar farm planned off Tinkham Hill Road at the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission meeting on Monday night. It was the second board the applicant has approached with a presentation – having previously met with the Planning Board – as representatives make their rounds in advance of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

About 15 abutters and close neighbors to the proposed site came ready to hear from Richard Charon of Charon Associates, as well as the applicant. Charon unveiled the site plans for the commission members and the public. There was a distinct murmured gasp from the community members when the full scope of the project was unveiled.

Charon detailed site plans focusing on those areas under the commission’s responsibility: the integrity of the wetlands, storm water run-off, soils, vegetation, and other natural resources. He described 100-fot buffer zones, storm water drainage, and low percentage of non-impervious materials (1,500 square feet) combining to keep construction impact subtle. Charon further noted chain-link fencing that would surround the entire solar field.

The plan consists of 25 acres, which will be clear cut of all trees and natural vegetation. Charon said that loam could and should be conserved from tree removal, but some new soil will be needed. Hydro-seeding will be done to replace the excavated natural woodlands with “virtually no impact on storm water run-off,” he told the group. Charon did indicate that the abutters on Shady Oak Drive would be the ones most profoundly impacted by the project.

Blue Wave Managing Partner John DeVillars and other staff were on hand to respond to questions from the public. Abutters the Lopes of Tinkham Hill Road stated that their property sits below the site and expressed concerns about run-off. Charon said that a swale would divert storm water, allowing absorption. They also asked about the potential displacement of wildlife. Although Charon noted massive swamplands contiguous to the project, the Lopes seemed unconvinced that deer and other small woodland animals would simply go back into the swamps.

Paul Coderre of North Street inquired about hazardous materials inside the transformers and any resulting leakage in the event of a catastrophic episode, as well as any noise that might emanate from transformers. Those concerns were assuaged by Blue Wave.

Pat Aiello of Tinkham Hill Road wanted to know who would benefit from the energy produced. DeVillars said that Blue Wave is working with NStar and is permitted to sell the power within a designated “load zone,” which includes Mattapoisett. Currently, Blue Wave has secured several private customers in other towns. Mattapoisett’s benefit would derive from taxes paid on the property versus lowered electrical costs.

Chair Peter Newton explained to the assembled that the commission could only address those concerns within their scope of responsibility. The public had many more questions outside the commission’s purview.

“We want to engage the community,” DeVillars said. “We want to meet with you and hear your questions.”

A series of exchanges between commission members and Building Commissioner Andrew Bobola followed.

“Until a Request for Determination of Applicability has been given, why should we vote?” Newton asked.

“We shouldn’t hold them up if they don’t have their RDA,” member Robert Rogers said. “They should be able to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals.”

“Use involves a footprint,” Bobola said. He said he felt that footprint should be measured before the applicant proceeds. “I think we’ve got the cart a bit before the horse on this one.”

Agent Elizabeth Leidhold said that she would have the site lines and delineations reviewed in the next two weeks, weather permitting.

The commission continued further discussion of the application for several weeks. Blue Wave was clearly disappointed in the lack of forward movement as expressed by DeVillars: “That wasn’t what we were hoping to hear tonight.”

Before the next agenda item could be heard, those in attendance to comment on the construction project were directed to take further discussions into the hallway. The room quickly cleared as abutters met with DeVillars.

Other agenda items: Pease Point Association received approval for repairing the sea wall damaged by recent storms. Monika Schuler of 109 Marion Road requested and received approval confirming the limits of bordering vegetated wetlands, thereby providing full disclosure to prospective buyers of the 16-acre site. Alan Decker of the Buzzards Bay Coalition sought approval to hold preservation as is at North Woods, land now owned by the town. This was affirmed.

The night wasn’t over quite yet, as the question of which boards should be approached sequentially or concurrently when applicants are seeking various approvals was again raised by Rogers. He wanted the issue placed on the next agenda, thus allowing the members along with the Building Commissioner to flesh out what makes the best sense for the community. Chairman Newton asked Rogers to write something up before the next meeting to give the group time to review and explore the matter prior to the next scheduled meeting.

With that, minutes were approved., and Leidhold gave her report, which included an April 29 Open Space Committee public hearing. The Conservation Commission meets again on April 8 at 6:30pm.

By Marilou Newell

In what must have been the safest room in the Tri-Town, more than a dozen representatives from the Rochester Police and Fire departments, Cape and Islands Emergency Medical Services, the Board of Selectmen, and various administrative divisions gathered on March 21 to discuss a major change for local rescue crews.

Currently, Rochester’s EMS and Fire Rescue is designated Basic Life Support, which means personnel is limited to firefighters who work with restricted resources, responsibilities, and procedures. For instance, if a Rochester resident calls 911 with chest pain, a local ambulance is neither equipped nor authorized to transport the patient to the hospital. They would have to liaison with an Advanced Life Support-designated ambulance from a neighboring town at some point along the route and release the patient to the ALS personnel.

In Cape and Islands EMS Region 5, Rochester and Nantucket are the only towns that are not currently at ALS level. Local officials are pushing for this to change by way of an article at the Rochester Town Meeting on May 20.

“There are financial matters to consider, but the most important consideration is the level of care we are providing people,” said Rochester Fire Department Chief Scott Weigel. “I think the townspeople deserve it, and I think the townspeople will vote for it.”

The ALS status would bring with it a need for more personnel and equipment, costs that are estimated to come to more than $375,000. But RFD Lieutenant and EMS Coordinator Kevin Richards explained that those costs will be offset by both an equipment grant from St. Luke’s Hospital for the town’s two ambulances and additional revenue opportunities from a call volume increase and increased billing reimbursements, based on past years’ figures.

“There’s an opportunity cost right now,” Richards said. “We’re missing out on revenue that could be ours, and yet we’re still doing a great deal of the work when those calls come in. ALS status will aid us greatly in these life and death matters, while also erasing that loss of revenue.”

Richards cited a 40 percent increase in the number of Rochester ambulance runs since fiscal year 2010 in advocating for ALS status. He attributed the jump to weather, auto accidents, and an aging population.

“This year, we had 184 from January to March alone, due mainly to the February blizzard,” he said. “We had 65 in that same time frame last year.”

Weigel, Richards, Chief Dispatcher Tracy Eldridge, and other local rescue personnel were joined by Director Bill Flynn and Deputy Director Alden Cook of the Cape and Islands EMS Region 5, as well as David Faunce, Regional Director of the EMS Council of Southeastern Massachusetts, in fielding questions from Rochester Selectmen Bradford Morse, Richard Nunes, and Naida Parker, and Town Administrator Richard LaCamera. The officials foresaw issues surrounding management, labor, questions about contracting private ambulance companies, and budgetary concerns, but the consensus was to continue moving forward with the initiative pending more scrutiny from the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee. The next Board of Selectmen meeting will take place on April 8, when the item is mostly likely to be revisited.

By Shawn Badgley