Cranberry Country

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            The Sippican Lands Trust recently hosted a presentation given by Dr. Hilary Sandler, who shared the 21st century research efforts at the University of Massachusetts Cranberry Station in East Wareham.

            Sandler has been working in the field of agricultural research, primarily focused on all things cranberry for over 30 years. She said the station has been in existence for 100 years, focused on helping growers identify best practices and sustain good land stewardship. Now part of the university’s College of Natural Sciences, the station covers 11 acres near Spectacle Pond. “You’ll always find cranberries near bodies of water,” said Sandler, who has been exploring with other researchers, students, and growers all the moving parts of an industry so iconic to the region.

            Sharing some of the history of the cranberry industry, Sandler said that bogs in Massachusetts were created as glaciers moved across the landscape, sculpting out depressions that would later become freshwater kettle ponds. She said that today’s research focuses on hydrology use, plant nutrition, weed sciences, fruit diseases, and microbial studies with bogs that still bear the scars of glacial movement in their irregular borders.

            Early in her presentation, Sandler touched on what is currently in the news – solar-array planning for agricultural lands, primarily in and around existing cranberry bogs. She said that the university has been studying the impact and viability of solar panels installed across irrigation ditches in active bogs, as well as panels installed on previously disturbed areas around bogs, a cultivation method known as “dual use,” in which solar panels are spaced to allow some light to filter through to plants being grown beneath the array.

            This emerging concept was actually first considered some 10 years ago by solar developers. Today, however, it seems to be gaining traction. Recently this agricultural concept was proposed for bogs and land in Rochester, and another is actively underway in Carver. Sandler said that this type of partnership allows the landowners to maintain their agricultural status while benefiting financially from the solar companies’ use of the land. “It can be a revenue stream for the growers,” she said.

            Of the bogs themselves, Sandler said today’s crops are almost all hybrid varieties that have been developed over decades to produce larger high-yield harvests. She called these varieties “super producers” with 40-percent more yield. This, however, has been a double-edged sword. Sandler noted that in the 1990s there was a glut of cranberries causing prices to plummet. Growers pursued new markets around the globe, new places to introduce a fruit for the first time. Some new export locations were found in the E.U., Australia, and Mexico, she stated. China is now beginning to cultivate its own berries, she said.

            Our local economy does depend in part on the cranberry industry, Sandler told the participants. For one thing, cranberries are Massachusetts’ largest fruit crop, coming from approximately 12,700 acres. “It is a micro-crop compared to other fruit crops across the country,” she pointed out. But in this state, it employs 6,000 people, “directly and indirectly,” she said. Sandler said that a grower needs at least 80 acres of bogs to make a living.

            And there is yet another challenge facing growers, Sandler shared; growers are primarily all senior citizens. “The average age of a grower is over 65 now.” Other challenges she noted were climate change, high production costs, and commercial-residential development of available open spaces. All are areas of concern for an industry so heavily integrated in our local culture.

            To learn more about the UMass cranberry program, visit umass.edu/cranberry or sippicanlandstrust.org to view the video presentation.

By Marilou Newell

RMS Celebrates Opening, Focuses on Town Meeting

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            Rochester School Committee Chairperson Sharon Hartley urged fellow members to attend the upcoming October 18 Special Town Meeting, at which time Rochester voters will be asked to consider long-coming revisions to the ORR District agreement as recommended by the Board of Selectmen.

            All three of the Tri-Towns will vote on the matter in special town meetings this fall. Marion’s meeting is the night after Rochester’s. “We’ve been talking about that a long time and it’s very important to us,” said Hartley while addressing the September 2 meeting of the Rochester School Committee, its first of the 2021-22 academic year.

            Rochester’s Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, October 18, in 7:00 pm in the Rochester Memorial School cafetorium. Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson said the last revisions were made to the ORR District agreement in 1986.

            In addressing the committee, RMS Principal Derek Medeiros said the facilities management and staff made the school beautiful and ready for its teachers, not only in terms of cleanliness but technologically as well.

            RMS opened with 3 feet of spacing in the classrooms and 6 feet of spacing in the cafeteria. “This nice thing about this school year, as I mentioned several times in Medeiros’ Minute (segments on the school’s website) … we feel like all our teachers have tools in their toolbox to function,” said Medeiros. “We couldn’t have asked for a smoother first two days of school.”

            Having discussed the earlier-in-the-day decision to postpone school in the ORR district due to the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Ida, Nelson recognized a level of confidence among faculty that he said was in part the product of the hard work done last year in challenging circumstances.

            Hartley thanked the ORR district staff for its work in helping schools achieve consistency.

            In referencing an in-person open house at RMS, Medeiros thanked the community and faculty/staff for implementing the policies that were put in place for safety. “A lot of positive feedback was received,” he said. “It was a very successful event.”

            Medeiros said bus capacities are “pretty evenly distributed” without any drastic aberrations.

            The committee received a first draft of the RMS Student Handbook with a request to review and offer feedback. The handbook is accessible online, but if families do not have internet access, the school will print a copy for them.

            Four new staff members have joined Rochester Memorial.

            Michael Forns is a new Grade 3 teacher. Introduced by Medeiros as “a bit of a journeyman” because of his versatile resume, it should be noted that Forns has traveled to 48 of the America’s 50 states, so he’s a journeyman in more ways than one.

            “At times we joked that he should have had rollerblades because he was going from one room to the next,” said Medeiros of the former teacher who served Rochester Memorial in various capacities before returning to the classroom.

            “This really is the best school system I have ever encountered,” said Forns. “The support from the top down to the colleagues that you work with is just, I mean, it’s unparalleled. The community itself, working with the kids, it’s a very special place.”

            Paige Teves is a Grade 6 ELA teacher, and Alison Guard has joined the RMS staff as the principal’s new secretary and Janet Lepage is a new lunch aide at the school, returning from a brief retirement to resume her long career serving at RMS.

            Later, Nelson noted the retirements of “beloved” RMS staffers Karen Lefebvre, Karen Della Cioppa, and Donna Abaray.

            Medeiros said RMS is in the hiring process for a Grade 1-3 teacher.

            Hartley welcomed all the new staff with a gift of apples. She also welcomed Jason Chisholm, who was attending his first meeting as a member of the Rochester School Committee.

            Noting that the work of the budget subcommittee was key in helping the district get off to a great start, Nelson also thanked The Wanderer for its coverage of the Summer Acceleration Academy that brought K-2, Grades 3-4, 8, and 10 into ORR High School rooms for an intense week of learning on August 16-20. The K-2 students focused on early literacy, and the older grades focused on math.

            Using data to identify which students could most benefit, the event drew over 150 students to get a head start on grade-level material and promote a sense of belonging. Nelson said the usage of data was pivotal in refocusing school on teaching and learning.

            Faculty was also prepared for the new school year, as keynote speaker Keith Davis of the Say Yes Institute addressed district staff the day before classes opened.

            Davis’ “push” forward philosophy was augmented by his “second half” awareness that referenced two distinctly different outcomes for the New England Patriots in Super Bowls. As examples, Davis used the Patriots’ loss to the New York Giants (for whom the linebacker briefly played before a knee injury prematurely ended his football career) and New England’s historic comeback against Atlanta that culminated in the only Super Bowl ever decided in overtime.

            The RMS Committee held a reorganization vote, including appointments to subcommittees that meet either monthly or seasonally.

            Hartley will once again serve as chairperson for the 2021-22 academic year. Accepting the nomination, Hartley indicated she intends to serve one more year. Anne Fernandes was voted as vice chair, and Diana Russo was voted to serve as secretary.

            Chisholm volunteered to represent Rochester on the ORR District School Committee. At Nelson’s suggestion, Kate Duggan was appointed an alternate member to ensure Rochester fair representation for important votes in the absence of any regular member.

            Hartley, Fernandes and Robin Rounseville had represented Rochester on the Superintendency Union #55 side of the Joint School Committee. Chisholm will replace Rounseville in that trio as well.

            Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber said he will provide a formal financial report in October. Barber offered a note to be aware that transportation restrictions are not the same as last school year, and also a food service summary.

            Per the USDA, 100 percent of all meals were free in 2020-21. This year students receive free breakfast and lunch, but any additional lunches will be charged.

            Nelson told the committee that air purifiers have been ordered and shipped for all classrooms in ORR district schools. HVAC and air-filter inspections were scheduled to take place on the September 4-5 weekend.

            Chisholm suggested reporting to families on the results of such inspections and testing to address families’ concerns.

            Dr. Janell Pearson-Campbell reported to the RMS Committee on the Teacher Collaborative that is currently assisting faculty members in their licensing for respective areas of practice. “Our teachers are currently in that process right now,” said Pearson-Campbell, who plans professional development opportunities for the staff in keeping with the district’s three priorities of 21st century learning, global citizenship, and project-based learning.

            Director of Student Services Craig Davidson reported 16 fully enrolled pre-school students at RMS, and eight other students in Individualized Education Plans. Eight more students are on the waitlist in the event slots open up over the course of the academic year.

            On Tuesday, October 19, ORR School District will hold its preschool screening during the day and, at night, hold its Tri-Town Early Childhood Council meeting from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm via Zoom. The format could change to in-person.

            Davidson reported that he and Pearson-Campbell worked together with multiple teachers and Early Childhood coordinator Doreen Lopes on building equitable support for children with disabilities.

            The grant-funded program from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education helped provide the basis for equitable support and anti-bias practices, allowing students to see themselves within the materials reflecting different nationalities, cultures, and race.

            Nelson congratulated Davidson on his weekend wedding.

            The RMS Committee concluded by entering executive session to discuss collective bargaining.

            The next meeting of the Rochester School Committee is scheduled for October 7. The next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for September 23. All meetings begin at 6:30 pm and are accessible via Zoom.

Rochester School Committee

By Mick Colageo

MNHM After School Program

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Marion Natural History Museum Fall 2021 after school programs include:

            September 29 – Seashore netting. We will be walking down to the Marion Harbormaster’s beach to use the large seining net and see what animals are still in the harbor.  Water shoes are strongly recommended, and please wear appropriate clothing. We will definitely be getting wet! (Pick-up will be at the Harbormasters Office).

            October 6 – Introduction to Forestry with MA State Forester James Rassman. Join Service Forester Jim Rassman as we learn about the trees of Massachusetts. We will learn about different types of local trees, how to tell how old a tree is, and the benefits that trees and forests provide to us all. If the weather is nice, we will get to meet a few trees that grow nearby.

            October 20 – Bird Migration! with Justin Barrett, President of the Nasketucket Bird Club. Bird migration is one of the most harrowing feats a bird can accomplish! We’ll be learning about how and why so many birds migrate every year, and some of the dangers that come along with it. We’ll also be exploring the outdoors looking and listening for birds. If you have a pair of binoculars, please bring them.

            November 3 – NECWA terrapin and sunfish program with Carol “Krill” Carson, founder and president of the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance. Each late summer and fall, ocean sunfish strand along the shores of Cape Cod. Many are trying to navigate their way south to warmer wintering areas. NECWA is the only organization that attempts to save these animals and get them back into deeper water. If they wash ashore dead, then we conduct a necropsy. We also assist Mass Audubon with its sea turtle stranding season which occurs in late fall through the end of December. Last fall, NECWA expanded its rescue and research to include the Atlantic torpedo, the only electric ray that also strands annually along our NE shores.

            November 17 – Shed hunting 101 – Shed hunting is the pursuit of finding antlers that have been naturally shed by any antler-bearing mammal such as moose, caribou, elk, and deer. These dropped antlers are commonly referred to as “sheds” or “shed antlers.” Shed hunting is a great opportunity to get outdoors, work your legs, and spend time with family and friends of any shed-hunting skill level. Let’s see if we can find any evidence of deer in Holmes Woods.

            December 15 – Holiday party – Let’s have fun together designing gifts with natural and recycled craft materials. Bring your unique artistic talents and let’s make some gifts for the holidays. Depending on health restrictions at that time, we hope to be offering snacks and drinks to fuel your creative efforts.

            Programs are $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers. To register for these programs, please visit www.marionmuseum.org.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Of all the items found in the Historical Society, the many scrapbooks that have been donated give us a good look at everyday life in Rochester’s past. For every scrapbook in the museum, there are at least twice as many in the homes of Rochester’s residents. These are not the “scrapbooking” collections popular today; rather, they are clippings from newspapers that tell the stories of the many events in the community. They are selected because they refer to local people and local areas that reflect the interests and connections of the scrapbook’s creator.

            One example is the scrapbook of Walton “Sonny” Jenkins. It is a collection of newspaper articles about Rochester and Cuttyhunk happenings from 1939-1945. The Rochester Historical Society was allowed to copy it in 2012. Starting in 1939, the articles chronicle weddings, like that of Winifred Schofield to Herbert Hartley, the arrest of a Rochester man and his brother for a series of local burglaries, the medals awarded to three members of the Cuttyhunk Coast Guard Station, and deaths like that of Rochester’s oldest citizen and last surviving Civil War veteran, George H. Randall.

            Then, as the fighting in Europe intensified and the United States entered World War II, the type of clippings began to change. Unlike the wars of our more recent past, everyone was involved in the reality of the war. Rather than being fought by the members of the National Guard or fulltime Armed Services soldiers, sailors, and marines, this war was fought by both drafted and enlisted civilians from every town and city. Now the scrapbook chronicles the farewell parties for boys who were drafted or had enlisted, or girls, like Miss Mary Nute, who had been inducted into the SPARS and was headed to Florida for training.

            While there continued to be clippings about new pastors for area churches, car accidents, and school graduations, more and more were war related. Pages are filled with pictures of soldiers, like the three Rochester brothers – David, Donald, and Walton Jenkins – who were serving in the Maritime Service and in Aviation. The wedding stories are of couples marrying during furloughs and before being sent overseas.

            One article warns residents not to remove stamps from sugar rationing books, and another tells about the Rochester National War Fund Drive chaired by Mrs. Lorenz B. Rounseville. Others tell of Second Lieutenant Edward C. Humphrey who was missing in action, and First Class Private Sewell A. Peckham, who was cited for bravery after being wounded during the Japanese surprise air raid on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, and others who died or were in prisoner of war camps. All of these stories are mingled with everyday tales of sheep shearing, house fires, and the news of a new postmaster.

            The new exhibit at the Rochester Historical Museum, opening on October 2, will include military memorabilia and tools among other items. We are looking for any items that people would be willing to loan to us for the exhibit. If you have an item, please call Connie Eshbach at 508-763 4932.

By Connie Eshbach

Little Diverse Library

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Tangi Thomas of Tri-Town Against Racism takes part in the September 10 ceremonial ribbon cutting for the newest Little Diverse Library at Ned’s Point park in Mattapoisett. Members and supporters of the local anti-racism organization celebrated the realization of the vision of 2020 Keel Award winner Kelsey Robertson, who at age 10 sought to bring books to libraries that reflect the diversity of community children. Little Diverse Libraries are planned for each of the Tri-Town communities. The contents of the Little Diverse Library in Mattapoisett were donated by the town. The final Little Diverse Library will be located in Rochester near Plumb Library sometime this fall, Tri-Town Against Racism co-founder Alison Noyce said. The Little Diverse Library in Marion is located at Old Landing on Front Street. Photo by Marilou Newell

MOA in Place for Next Two Years

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            In emerging from an executive session held early in its September 8 meeting to discuss collective bargaining, the Marion School Committee voted to approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the Sippican Elementary School teachers and support staff.

            The committee agreed with Sippican’s teachers on a two-year contract through the 2022-23 academic year and with the school’s support staff, including paraprofessionals, nurses, and cafeteria workers, on a three-year contract through the 2023-24 school year.

            Marion Town Administrator Jay McGrail, appointed to work on behalf of the town with the School Committee, was not present because the meeting fell in conflict with a Select Board meeting, but Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson reported that McGrail supports the committee moving forward with the agreements.

            In an effort to achieve some consistency across the ORR district, the principals worked with Central Administration and one another on an updated Student Handbook. Sippican School Principal Marla Sirois called the result “a compilation” that reflects more additions than subtractions, along with updated language.

            In answering committee member April Rios’ question on the three-step on-bus disciplinary system that begins with a warning followed in the next instance of a seat at the front of the bus and, ultimately, if warranted, a five-day suspension from riding the bus, Sirois said Sippican’s students are generally well behaved.

            “I have not gotten to that [level of discipline with any student] yet,” said Sirois. “There are many bus policies that have complete expulsion. After that third time, as an elementary [school] principal, I have a real problem with that because our children are learning how to behave, so I feel like they need to be given as many chances as we can provide to them.”

            The policy was not amended, but Sirois said, “Our children are well behaved and generally do their best on the bus.”

            Nelson thanked the principals, noting that they also took the time to get legal counsel for feedback on language options in the Student Handbook.

            The Marion School Committee voted unanimously to accept the Student Handbook as is.

            In her Principal’s Report, Sirois thanked staff for its work in getting the Sippican building ready for the 2021-22 academic year. Spacing in classrooms is 3 feet and spacing in the cafeteria is 6 feet.

            A parent informational session was held, but parents missing any notes can find information on the Sippican website. Sirois thanked VASE, which is working on a fall Ace program that will include a running club, a craft club, and a sign-language class.

            New Assistant Principal Pete Crisafulli joined Sippican School after spending 18 years in the Frontier Regional School district in South Deerfield. “Not all districts are alike, and I’m learning a lot,” he said.

            In a committee reorganization, Rios was unanimously voted to replace Michelle Smith as chairperson. Smith made the nomination. Nichole Daniel was unanimously voted vice chairperson.

            Diana Russo was voted as recording secretary, but Nelson suggested the committee leave it “to be determined” while recognizing the “top notch” effort of Russo and Toni Bailey in the role. Russo was not present at the meeting.

            Smith will continue to represent Marion on the ORR School Committee. Rios and Daniel will remain on the Joint School Committee Superintendency Union #55 and be joined by Marion School Committee member Christine Marcolini, who will fill the spot vacated by Jody Dickerson. Marion School Committee member Mary Beauregard will serve as an alternate.

            Marcolini thanked Sirois and her staff for its attention to detail in getting the Sippican building ready for teachers and students. “I think that was very difficult for a lot of schools to do, and I think Sippican did it well,” said Marcolini, noting that Sippican has achieved a balance.

            In her Chairperson’s Report, Rios thanked the building staff for making it possible for students to have a happy, in-school experience. “That’s the one thing that I feel when you walk in that door, I feel that happiness again. That’s kudos to all of you,” she said.

            On August 26, nine new teachers were welcomed to the ORR District, and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Janell Pearson-Campbell discussed the new Teacher Induction Program including mentorships and professional development opportunities.

            At Sippican, Tracy Anthony is a new Special Education teacher. Anthony, in addition to having played rugby in college, competes on two billiards teams.

            Susan Swoish is a new Grade 4 teacher; her father taught at ORR High School for over 30 years, and she has two daughters who attended Sippican and later graduated from ORR.

            New support staffers include paraprofessionals Lucy Lizotte, Debra Smith, Sydney Swoish, and Jocelyn Ulloa, cafeteria staffer Jacqueline L’Heureux, and Assistant Head Cook Noreen Mackie.

            Sirois told the committee that the school has an opening for a social worker.

            In reporting on the summer break, Nelson discussed a staff retreat focused on helping others but making sure the person in a position of leadership helps her or himself. Dr. Alex Hirschberg conducted a social-emotional learning review on the staff with recommendations for the new school year.

            Nelson said the Acceleration Road Map most noticeable during the week-long, intense Acceleration Academy will continue to influence the school year.

            Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Janell Pearson-Campbell reported on the Teacher Collaborative, opportunities for the staff in keeping with the district’s three priorities of 21st century learning, global citizenship and project-based learning.

            Director of Student Services Craig Davidson reported on the district’s preschool screening scheduled for Tuesday, October 19. Also to be held that day is the Tri-Town Early Childhood Council meeting at 6:00 pm.

            In reporting to the committee, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber said the food service indications are that students are eating well. Per the USDA, 100 percent of all meals were free in 2020-21. This year students receive will free breakfast and lunch, but any additional lunches will be charged.

            Nelson reported to the committee on ORR’s Summer Acceleration Academy that brought K-2, Grades 3-4, 8, and 10 into the high school on August 16-20 for an intense week of learning. The K-2 students focused on early literacy, and the older grades focused on math.

            The committee voted to accept a donation from Mike Demelo of Staples office store in Wareham, which has donated 125 boxes of school supplies and 50 packages of personal protective equipment.

            The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13. The next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for September 23. All meetings begin at 6:30 pm and are accessible via Zoom.

Marion School Committee

By Mick Colageo

Abutters Granted More Time

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            It’s not the norm for abutters to request two-week continuances for applications before the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission, but that is precisely what occurred on September 13 when the Notice of Intent continuance for 7 Nashawena Road was reopened.

            Representing client Alexander Bauer was N. Douglas Schneider of Schneider, Davignon, & Leone Inc., who said that a new plan of record had been submitted 10 days earlier and included all the requested changes asked for by the commissioners and abutters. For a least a year, abutters had been watchful that existing drainage problems in the area were not exacerbated by the reconstruction of a single-family home.

            Schneider pointed to a reduction in the overall size of the footprint, including pervious areas and a roof-runoff catchment systems to redirect storm water into underground chambers for recharging. He said that he has visited the site since a recent record rainfall event took place and found only a small area where ponding remained, a location for historically slow recharging of storm water into the ground.

            Schneider also said that the requested testing of soils for recharging and groundwater levels has taken place as well. He conceded that, even given the summer’s dry conditions of subsoils and the construction of an underground drainage system, there might still be wet season occasions when drainage would be a problem.

            Chairman Mike King said that everyone was going to have to get used to record rain events, but that the new plan has covered everything requested. The commissioners were ready to render their decision, but not before abutters were recognized for their comments.

            David Behenne, 31 Antassawamock Road, said that perc testing had been requested but not performed. King said that only the Board of Health requires perc testing for septic systems, but that soil testing has been done as requested. “The applicant has met all [the requirements of the] Wetlands Protection Act; you’ll have 10 days to review our decision or appeal it.”

            Behenne asked several times when abutters were notified that new plans were available to review, then asked for a two-week continuation in order to review the updated plans with his engineer, Robert Field.

            King pushed back from that, again saying the applicant is in compliance. “He’s addressed everything you were worried about.” Behenna shot back, “That is up to the abutters!” King said that if abutters are “aggrieved” of the commission’s decision, they can appeal it.

            Speaking next was William Straus, 8 Nashawena. Straus said several times that he understood the position of the commissioners, the hard job they had based on his own previous appointment to the commission, but believed an appeal was in no one’s best interest.

            “Alex Baur is a decent guy; he would not take the same position as his engineer,” said Straus, who believed he had heard Schneider say he wanted the application done on this night. However, it was subsequently made clear that that comment was spoken by commissioner Chapman Dickerson, a sentiment echoed by David Lawrence. Straus urged the commission to grant a two-week continuance for the sake of giving abutters more time to study the new plan.

            In the end, Schneider agreed an appeal to the Department of Environmental Protection would only drag out the process even further. A continuance was granted until September 27.

            In other business, a Notice of Intent filed by Leonard and Joyce Almeida for a new septic system was conditionally approved upon receipt of a DEP file number.

            Later in the proceedings, the commission discussed the ratification of environmental agent services subcontracted to Brandon Faneuf of Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. in an arrangement whereby applications requiring agent oversight will pay for Faneuf’s services. King said, “There is no cost to the town.” The contract was to go before the Select Board for finalization on September 14.

            In the meantime, a search will continue for a part-time conservation agent. Recent applicants were only interested in full-time positions, King said.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is planned for Monday, September 27, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Machacam Club Meeting

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The next meeting of the Machacam Club is scheduled for Wednesday, October 6. We meet at the American Legion Hall on Depot Street. Social time begins at 5:00 pm, dinner at 6:00 pm, and a short business meeting at 6:45 followed by our speaker’s presentation. Chef Colby has planned an all-time favorite dinner – a surprise that we know will satisfy your appetite! Callers, please transmit your counts for dinner to 508-758-1326 or email cwmccullough@comcast.net by Monday evening, October 4.

            The purpose of the Machacam Club is for each member to enjoy the comradery of the group – nothing more, and nothing less! We meet on the first Wednesday of each month, and new members are always welcome.

Briggs Makes Case to Changing AHT

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            The Marion Affordable Housing Trust has seen recent turnover in membership, and longtime resident and developer Sherman Briggs took the opportunity to address the trust’s newer faces during the September 14 public meeting.

            Citing his long-standing opposition to the town’s inclusionary-zoning bylaw that he says has never been utilized, Briggs said it has taken him 10 years to get through the vetting process.

            “I would hope the Housing Trust would start to get more active in the bylaws and what we go through and the time it takes,” he said. “We need to streamline the bylaws. Once we get through that, we can create more of these projects that aren’t subsidized and ones that meet the seniors of Marion’s needs.”

            When Briggs began seeking approval for his 28-unit, multi-family residential project at Spring and Mill Streets, he said the bylaw was asking him to choose between building an affordable housing complex and paying a $639,000 fee to mitigate the choice not to. That fee is now $150,000, a check Briggs is much happier to write if he can have a say on what happens to the money.

            Leveraging developers toward affordable housing projects, he says, is counterproductive for the town for two major reasons: 1. Marion is at 11.5 percent, a favorable number in affordable housing when taking into consideration existing and planned projects; 2. Tax revenue is the biggie for Briggs, who asserts that, in an affordable-housing scenario, a 42-unit development would generate only $28,000 per year. His proposed, 28-unit, market-rate development could generate 10 times the tax revenue. He insists that is his prime motivation as a longtime resident.

            Briggs is concerned that the current set of requirements will continue to leverage developments toward 40B classification (affordable housing) that do not generate enough tax revenue and end up failing economically.

            As for the $150,000 fee due the Affordable Housing Trust on a project like the one he is proposing, Briggs said, “That money should be used to help seniors rather than be put into a fund that will take years to get where this needs to go.” He believes the funds would be best spent to help more seniors stay in their houses with a series of smaller projects such as “a new roof on a house, a septic system, maybe a paint job.”

            Briggs has plenty more to say, drawing questions from AHT members seeking clarification on town bylaws and procedures.

            He said he is concerned about the potential senior housing development on the location where Lockheed Martin had been until last year. “If that ever fell off the tax rolls, we’d be in more dire straits as far as tax revenue. That’s more my view as a taxpayer than my project.”

            Briggs is hoping his proposed, 28-unit development off Spring and Mill streets will sell for $650,000 and $700,000 per unit.

            “Five years ago, if this was built, the town would have a million dollars in its coffer. … It’s been one hell of a battle, I won’t deny that,” he said.

            Terri Santos, the new chair of the AHT, called Briggs’ preferred scenario “a win-win for the trust because we will also get $150,000 to go to programs.”

            Santos said funding the programs that the AHT looks at doing is complicated because they cannot use CPC money due to deed restrictions, etcetera.

            “There’s nothing better than to keep someone who lives in Marion their whole life in their home,” said Briggs. “If I can support and earmark the money that I have to pay to go in a direction, that’s what I believe.”

            Santos said the Planning Board’s Codification Committee is putting forth a bylaw change regarding conservation subdivision.

            In other matters, Santos and fellow AHT members Norm Hills and Nancy McFadden walked the Lockheed Martin site three weeks ago. Santos said she will keep the AHT informed. “A lot of possibilities, I personally think,” said McFadden.

            The next meeting of the Marion Affordable Housing Trust is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, at 6:00 pm.

Marion Affordable Housing Trust

By Mick Colageo

Dual-Use Solar Project Continued

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            A proposal for a two-phase construction of a canal canopy solar array and a dual-use energy array that will be used for renewable energy and agricultural purposes was heard by the Rochester Planning Board on September 14 without conclusion.

            The new public hearing was opened solely to continue the application to the board’s next meeting on September 28, but that action paved the way for an informal discussion of the application filed by Hingham-based Renewable Energy Partners, LLC for Special Permits for a solar array and groundwater protection for property located at 109 Neck Road.

            As explained by Planning Board Chairman Arnie Johnson, the board did not hold an informal meeting to discuss the project and, on the advice of Town Counsel, opened the hearing solely to continue the meeting to the Planning Board’s next meeting on September 28. By then, the board’s engineer will have examined the project.

            In the wake of that action, Sarah Stearns of Beals & Thomas gave an overview of the project to acquaint the board and interested citizens. There is no sitework in connection to the solar-canopy project, according to Stearns.

            The setback of the proposed, 3.2-acre project from Neck Road is approximately 1,700 feet. The panels when tilted in the morning toward the sun will be 12 feet high on one end and 8 feet high on the opposite end. At noon, the panels will be horizontal at 10 feet off the ground. Spacing at 23 feet will support a strategic use of light for agricultural purposes.

            Stearns told the board that the project has begun the vetting process with the Conservation Commission.

            Johnson said the project will need a 16-foot-wide road inside the fence for fire protection. He also said that the Planning Board reserves the right in its decision that, should the screening not be considered adequate, then the applicant will be required to address the matter. “Because this is out in the middle of nowhere, the screening has to be done first,” said Johnson.

            It was pointed out to Stearns that, since the light poles in the background of the project are visible from Snipatuit Pond, so will the solar array be visible. The applicant suggested producing images of the view from abutting properties across Snipatuit Pond.

            Johnson said the board also must decide on whether to approve the vegetation plan for underneath the solar array. He referenced a failed experiment off Route 58 in Carver where solar panels are atop a bog no longer capable of cranberry harvesting. Johnson said that discussion would be held in earnest when the board next convenes on September 28.

            During Stearns’ presentation, several comments came in via the computer chat function, but Johnson said the board cannot address the comments because the public hearing had already been continued to pave the way for the informal discussion.

            Anticipating a site visit in advance of the board’s September 28 meeting, Johnson requested a general staking of the project to establish a reference point.

            The review of the draft decision for the Longbow Lane project in which Planning Board member Ben Bailey proposes a definitive subdivision at 0 Gerrish Road was not rendered. Citing the discussions that occurred during the public hearings of the case, Johnson thought it prudent to wait in case there are any other questions on it.

            Bailey, who was represented by Bob Rogers of G.A.F. Engineering, once again recused himself from participation as a board member. Regarding the change in lot numbers, Johnson said, “There was no misinterpretation on this board’s part. … We were not notified.”

            A public hearing continued from July 27 in which Cushman Solar, LLC filed applications for Special Permits for a 3.9-megawatt (large-scale) solar array and groundwater protection for property located at 0 Cushman Road was continued at the applicant’s request to September 28.

            An Approval Not Required (ANR) filed by Decas Cranberry for a single-lot subdivision at 0 Mary’s Pond Road was approved by the board.

            A review of the application filed by Snipatuit Road Solar, LLC was met by a swift vote to approve the final decision.

            The last item discussed was the Plumb Corner development and its infrastructural problems. Conservation Commission Chairman Chris Gerrior, in attendance, asked Johnson about a potential enforcement order. Johnson said the project owners know the town’s deadlines and are running out of time.

            Johnson took a moment to welcome Gerrior’s interest and said he looks forward to working with him so as to maximize the commission’s input and vice versa. Earlier in the meeting, new Town Planner Nancy Durfee was welcomed by Johnson, who told the board that he and Durfee plan to visit various sites of open cases to give the new planner an orientation.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, September 28, at 7:00 pm in hybrid format. The meeting is held at the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School library and also accessible via Zoom.

Rochester Planning Board

By Mick Colageo