Rochester Affordable Housing, Inc. (RAHI) hosted a June 30 informational workshop on Massachusetts’ new law allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) by right on residential properties across the commonwealth at the Council on Aging Senior Center.

            The goal was to answer Rochester residents’ questions on what this new law means to them and settle their concerns. Answers focused on the fact that ADU’s will allow a more affordable housing option for families, such as for aging adults needing to downsize and share housing on their adult children’s residential lot.

            Ann Soares of RAHI, a 501(c)(3) support organization for seniors and veterans, began the workshop by calling the ADU law “a valuable resource for many of our senior citizens, their families or caregivers such as with rental income from either the new ADU or the primary dwelling. Downsizing can become an option for any homeowner.”

            The next to speak were State Senator Michael Rodrigues and newly elected State Representative Mark Sylvia. Both called establishing more affordable housing one of Beacon Hill’s most discussed topics of late. Rodrigues called the new ADU law one step toward creative solutions to developing more such housing. Sylvia said that, with the Affordable Housing Act that the ADU law is under, the 351 communities within the commonwealth can allow ADU’s by right so the elderly, families and their children can live in more affordable housing. RAHI member Valerie Faretta noted ADU units are more affordable because they must be smaller and will consume less water and other utilities.

            The meeting then covered what’s important to know about applying for an ADU. Mark Wellington of the RAHI advised attendees to start their process with the Board of Health and the Conservation Commission. The status of the septic system is a major concern, engineer Rick Charon said. Size of system is based on bedrooms and must meet Title 5 requirements.

            Conservation Commission Chair Christopher Gerrior explained the need to report your plan to the Conservation Commission and its agent regarding wetlands on or near the property.

            Reading written comments from veteran Zoning Board of Appeals member Richard Cutler, Faretta informed attendees that zoning and building bylaws and setbacks still apply; for instance, the unit may not be placed in the front of the property. Also, beware of advertisements for contractors offering to build an ADU or a “tiny house,” she said. They might be a scam. Local architectural home designer Sarah Johnston advised those planning an ADU to weigh achieving privacy versus connection. The majority she has designed for have been for families.

            “Either parents want to downsize (or) their kids’ family can’t afford to move anywhere in this area, (so) the parents build an ADU on their property so (their children) can grow up in the family home,” she said. “It’s about what your basic needs are.”

            Attendees also learned that such units can be internal, as in fashioned out of a basement, etc. They also can be attached to the original dwelling or free standing. The maximum unit size is 900 square feet, though a 1,200-square-foot unit may also be permitted. ADU’s can be offered as rental units; they do not have to be owner-occupied. Only one ADU per house lot is allowed, though a second ADU could also be permitted.

            One attendee asked, “We’re not going to have little houses everywhere?” Residents were undoubtedly happy when Wellington replied with a simple “no.”

            “This is just another tool in the toolbox to provide affordable housing, especially for older people to keep them with their families,” Rodrigues said at the workshop’s conclusion. “And it’s a tool to increase the affordable housing stock.”

            Wellington added, “I’d like all of this to happen for our local families. We are trying to give people the tools they need.”

Rochester ADU Workshop

By Michael J. DeCicco

The Conservation Commission at its June 25 meeting endorsed a project initiated by the Sippican Lands Trust (SLT) that will use herbicides at the Brainard Marsh to target what the trust calls one of the worst invasive species – phragmites.

            The commission applauded the effort and acknowledged that the effort will help restore the marsh to its original state.

            There were some concerns about how that area is a recreation area where people walk and swim. Commissioners asked for signage and asked if there was a risk of over spraying and drifting to other areas.

            SLT representatives said that these herbicides are applied by certified professionals and there would be signage. Representatives also said that they apply the herbicides in August or September over a three-year period. The work aligns with an order of conditions from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

            SLT said the spraying is conducted in a conservative way so the herbicides drip down and do not spread into other areas.

            Conservation Commissioners and SLT members noted that the town has tried pulling the phragmites from the marshlands, but that effort is slow and not as effective as using herbicides.

            Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee shared some of the same concerns as Commissioners and asked that the Conservation Commission receive documented reports of the work and progress.

            At a light meeting in terms of agenda, the commission briefly discussed changes that were made to a development at 28 Wareham Road. Commissioners noted that there were changes from the original plans but conceded that nothing was impactful. The commission issued a certificate of compliance to the applicant.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

The Town of Rochester almost dropped its long-held municipal insurance policy with the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) to pay lower premium rates with another company. But MIIA’s lower bid over the weekend preserved the status quo.

            Last Thursday, the Select Board met with representatives of that other agency, the Sylvia Group, whose clients include the City of New Bedford, to discuss its potentially lower premium rates. But by Monday morning, MIIA had come back with a counteroffer and a lower bid, assuring the agency’s place as the town’s insurance carrier.

            Town Administrator Cameron Durant said Rochester has contracted MIIA with a $258,000 premium and a $10,000 coverage deductible for FY2026. Last year’s MIIA premium was $297,000 with a $25,000 coverage deductible, he said.

            Durant explained the town “was looking to reduce costs and increase service.” The latter goal stemmed from Durant’s comment in the Select Board’s discussion with Sylvia Group that he and administrator Andrea Lacerda “were not pleased with the customer-service experience from MIIA.”

            MIIA addressed the customer-service complaint, Durant said, by explaining the company is implementing a new computer system that should improve its customer service. “They said they had a rough go implementing it,” he said. “That was the problem.”

            He said the Select Board was impressed with the Sylvia Group’s presentation, but MIIA’s counteroffer changed the board’s minds about making the switch.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, July 7, at 6:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco