A Short Continuance

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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 Renovations

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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

Grace Morrison to Perform at Library Fundraiser

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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.

Route 6 Density Zoning May Change

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During the March 17 meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board the members put forth ideas for bylaw changes that could, in the near future, expand the use of properties along the Route 6 corridor.

            Members William Winnerburg, a property developer, and John Mathieu, an attorney, have forwarded the idea of looking at the Route 6 corridor in an effort to expand the number of buildable lots primarily for housing.

            The board has long grappled with the lack of housing affordable or otherwise in Mattapoisett. Now they are stepping up that work in advance of a fall Town Meeting. They have acknowledged the need for “affordable” housing units for both young families and seniors looking to stay in Mattapoisett to settle there. They have also acknowledged that given the spiraling real estate market and low inventory those hopes are often abandoned. The members believe a change in the density along Route 6, could benefit those seeking local housing.

            Mathieu explained that the draft he has been working on would cover any property that fronts on Route 6. His draft envisions townhouse type condominiums on an acre of land. Each unit would have a maximum of two bedrooms and adequate parking for the residents and guests. All setback requirements and lot coverage must be maintained, and the units connected to the municipal sewer system. Much of the construction would need Special Permits he noted.

            Wennerburg agrees that with innovated planning and explicit architectural designs “…people will like the opportunity – this is very doable.”

            Mathieu and Wennerburg will work collaboratively to develop a draft for review and consideration at the board’s next meeting.

            Earlier in the meeting the board discussed various aspects of the new state regulations for the construction of additional dwelling units (ADUs).

            Some confusion still exists regarding just how and which types of state, and or, local controls can be or should be put in place. Local businessman David McIntire asked the board, “… which way are you leaning…” accepting the state’s regulations or asking the voters to install a local ADU known as a Protected Use ADU. Chairman Tom Tucker clarified that the board will accept the state’s regulations saying, “…we have no choice.”

            A Protected Use ADU shields these units from unreasonable zoning restrictions. The Massachusetts Affordable Housing Act went into effect on February 2, 2025, and allows for by-right home construction in single-family zoning districts with a maximum of 900 square feet or half the primary dwelling gross floor area.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for April 7.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

What Price for “Miracles,” and Who Pays for Them?

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There are now five drugs on the market to treat genetic disorders that are each priced at over $2 million.

            They have been approved by the FDA to treat illnesses that had no curative therapy. Some, such as spinal muscular atrophy, were fatal while others such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia led to repeated crises and frequent hospitalizations.

            Are these astronomical prices justified? The pharmaceutical companies justify the prices by citing two factors: the high cost of drug development and the long-term financial benefits.

            The problem with using research costs as a justification for the prices is that much of the basic research is funded by NIH grants or academia rather than by industry.

            In the case of Zolgensma, Novartis’ $2.1 million drug for spinal muscular atrophy, the bulk of the early funding came from a private charity founded by parents whose child had the disease. ProPublica documented how their efforts, both financial and emotional, were ignored when the commercial potential of the drug began to become apparent. They hoped for a cure for their daughter and others similarly afflicted, not a windfall for the executives of the start-up they helped fund. See: www.propublica.org/article/zolgensma-sma-novartis-drug-prices-gene-therapy-avexis

            Research published in JAMA provided details of the sponsorship and funding of 341 trials of gene therapy. Fewer than half were industry-funded. Academic hospitals, universities and the NIH were more often the funders, and yet the financial rewards almost all go to the pharmaceutical industry.

            One could make a case that the sky-high one-time cost of gene therapy pays for itself by preventing the numerous emergency room visits and hospitalizations that it will eliminate. The estimated lifetime cost of hemophilia is $20 million! This makes the one-time $3.5 million cost of Hemgenix seem a bargain.

            The big if is that the only data we have is that the benefits last 3 years – hopeful, but only a short span in a life-long disease. If the benefits fade after 4-5 years will CSL Behring refund the cost?

            Will health insurance companies be willing to pay for a drug that may benefit the patient for 50 years or more when they know that their average subscriber is probably going to change insurers in a few years?

            We need a different way to pay for these “miracle” drugs. One option is to have them paid for on an annual basis, spreading the cost over the patient’s estimated lifespan, with payment to stop if the drug stops working. A plan must devised soon, or scientific advances plus pharmaceutical greed will exceed society’s ability to pay.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

Marion’s Proposed Historic District

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To the Editor,

            As long-time owners of property within Marion’s proposed historic district, our families hold dear Marion’s rich maritime roots, small-town feel, and architectural history. At the January 15 meeting, we thoroughly enjoyed the presentation revealing the evolution of architectural styles in Marion through time. Advances in technology and changes in community land use are all evidenced in the village buildings we enjoy so much today.

            However, although well-intentioned, the proposed historical district by-law places an undue burden on homeowners within the district. We imagine this proposed by-law is appealing to many of Marion’s residents, but as homeowners in the district, it is clear to us that the potential scheduling delays and financial costs (architectural and site plan revisions, etc.) would be solely incurred by the homeowners and not the town population. Even exterior adjustments, such as window and door placements, as mentioned in the bylaw, would have an interior architectural design impact, as well.

            With rising sea levels and storm activity creating greater threats to waterfront properties, changes outside those that protect historical integrity will be required. It is clear that the proposed by-law will complicate these efforts as evidenced by the Committee’s response to questions at the February 18 meeting.

            We respect the intentions of those who reside within the proposed district to modify their properties as needed and desired without requiring them to go through any added oversight. This area that we value so much today has existed without a commission of this sort successfully for generations. We have no reason to think that will not continue.

            Lastly, some of us received the survey along with “encouragement” to vote in favor by a member of the committee. This survey felt more like a petition in which the recipient was being given only the perspective of the petitioner.

            We urge other owners of property in the proposed district to express their views by responding to the “survey.”

Brian Keane, Beth Keane, Andy Kendall, Emilie Kendall, and Sarah Mitchell

Rochester Public Meeting

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Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, and newly-elected State Representative Mark Sylvia will host a public meeting at the Rochester Council on Aging on Wednesday, March 26, at 6:00 pm. Dubbed, “An Evening of Conversation,” the public meeting will offer a close up look at the state budget process and its impact on the Town of Rochester. Local town officials have been invited and are expected to be on hand to add to the dialogue on the role Rochester can play in securing essential resources to fund local governmental operations and planned capital infrastructure projects.

            “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to meet Rochester public officials and the local community to get a better understanding of their most important needs as we prepare the fiscal Year 2026 state budget, said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport) who also represents Rochester. It is so beneficial to have this open discussion and have Rep. Sylvia and I hear the concerns and the issues that people care most about first-hand.”

            “I’m thrilled to co-host this community discussion with Senator Rodrigues in Rochester,” said Representative Mark Sylvia, (D-Fairhaven), who also represents Rochester. “Engaging directly with our residents helps us better understand their concerns and priorities, and I look forward to continuing this dialogue to address the needs of our community.”

            This public meeting is of particular importance as soon both the House and Senate will present their respective budget recommendations for the upcoming Fiscal Year, 2026. The House plans to present and debate their budget in April, and the Senate will follow suit in May. This event provides an excellent opportunity for Rochester’s public officials, community leaders, and the general public to hear first-hand the state of the Massachusetts economy, the budget process, and how Rochester can maximize its opportunities on Beacon Hill.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Back to the history of Rochester’s schools. By 1859, there were eleven school districts in town. They were spread throughout town with the hope that no child was too far from a schoolhouse. Schools had a summer and a winter term. Generally, the different terms would have different teachers.

            Each district was a legal entity and owned its schoolhouse. They elected a Prudential Committee-man to oversee the schools. The Committee men were the ones who interviewed and hired teachers, visited the school to check on progress, paid the bills, saw that repairs were made, provided supplies and examined students at the end of the term.

            In the Town Report of 1862 while advocating for the school system stated, ” In the constitution of a good school there are three essential elements-good school-houses, good scholars, and here I refer to the moral and social, rather than to the intellectual qualifications, and a good teacher.”

            The eleven districts were #1. Centre School, #2. Church School, #3. Cushman School, #4. Davis School, #5. Braley School, #6. North Rochester School, #7. Walnut Plain or Bishop School, #8. Pierceville School, #9. Mantur School, #10. Burgess School, #11 Leonard School. In 1868-1869, the district system was abolished by the state legislature and the municipal system was established. In this system, the town owned all school property and would oversee all aspects of the schools.

            The number of schools went from eleven to six and the school buildings went through many stages. New schools were built. Old ones burned down, were torn down, merged their students, or like the Centre School, the small building between Town Hall and the Academy (now the church vestry) were moved to a different lot. The Centre School ended up on the corner of Mary’s Pond and Walnut Plain Rds. where it was repaired. This was in 1882, and the move cost the town $30.00 for the lot and $574.93 for the repairs.

            The town went through school overcrowding, school closings, and finally settled on the Waterman School as the town school until Rochester Memorial school was built and the Waterman School morphed into the Rochester Fire Station.

By Connie Eshbach

Catherine A. (Reed) Hartley

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Catherine A. (Reed) Hartley, 84, of West Wareham, passed away on March 20, 2025, at Tobey Hospital. She was the wife of Robert G. Hartley and the daughter of the late George and Evelyn (Howland) Reed.

She was born in Rochester and lived in Addison and Norway, Maine before moving to West Wareham in 2021. She graduated from New Bedford High School.

Mrs. Hartley was an excellent homemaker and the Matriarch of her family. She loved gardening.

Survivors include her husband, Robert G. Hartley of West Wareham; 2 sons, Brent Hartley and his partner, Sam Castonguay of Acushnet and Timothy Hartley of New Bedford; her brother, Glen Reed and his wife, Verna of Lakeville; 3 grandchildren, Curtis Hartley of ME, Lindsey Hartley of New Bedford and Tommy Hartley of Falmouth; 5 grandchildren, Ryleigh, Ryan, Logan, Camille and Caleb. She was the sister of the late Bruce Reed.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.

Pier Repair, Tree Removal, and A New Home

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The Marion Conservation Commission met Wednesday, March 12 for various public hearings on Requests for Determination and Notices of Intent.

            The first hearing was for a Request for Determination of Applicability for the construction of an addition at 882 Point Road made by Mathew Scaria. There would be two additions, one to the kitchen/dining area and the other to the bathroom of the bedroom. A short discussion on flood zones and foundations emerged, though the hearing was closed quickly without many other questions or public comments.

            The next hearing was for the upgrade of septic systems at 80 Delano Road to meet Title V standards, filed by Marion LLC. The representative from Marion LLC stated the work would be done to have as little of an effect as possible on the surrounding area. The hearing was closed with no public comments.

            The third hearing was for 22 River View Lane and the removal of trees, limb pruning, stump grinding, and renewal of invasive plant remediation filed by Fred Trezise. Trezise explained “this is the third time over the course of eight to ten years that we’ve come before the Conservation Commission for essentially the exact same reason, which is tree removal.” The property sits on the Sippican River. Whether it be diseased or shallow rooted, Trezise explained, the owners have tried to keep up with the property’s vegetation and its disease. The owner was seeking consultation and recommendations for the proper course of action. The hearing was closed with no signs of opposition.

            Kevin Medeiros of 0 Cross Neck Road had a hearing for a Notice of Intent for the construction of a new single-family dwelling. Since the lot is wooded and vacant, the applicant explained, it is still registered as “0” Cross Neck Road without an assigned street number. Mark from Marion LLC was identified as having flagged wetland areas and other notable vegetations of the site. It was discussed whether the property would be tied into available town water and sewer due to its availability and proximity. Medeiros stated they would not, and that he merely purchased the site for development and to sell the home upon its completion. The proposed house will have four bedrooms. No public comments were made, and the hearing was continued to later.

            The final hearing was for Albert Fox of 173 Front Street and the Notice of Intent for the repair of stone foundations of the property’s pier. The existing foundations were said to be loose, with work being done to replace these foundations with concrete. The land is very muddy and soft, meaning workers would put stones and grout to shore up the area. It was stated work will be done by hand, including the mixing of concrete. Similar to the previous hearing, this was also concluded to the next Conservation Commission meeting.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission will take place Wednesday, March 26 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department Conference Room.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop