The Rochester Planning board briefly met on Tuesday, March 27 to hear final remarks regarding updates made to local flood plain maps and revisions made to language in one section of the flood plain district of the Rochester zoning bylaw.
According to Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon, the old maps date back to 1982, and do not include many details.
“As you can see, they are really visually basic in nature and there aren’t much for landmarks on these maps,” she said. The new maps, which include more detailed illustrations of the town flood plains, will make it easier for builders to develop the land.
The language in question, which deals with proposals for building subdivisions, was originally thought to be too vague, prompting Farinon to seek assistance from the state in redrafting that section.
“This specific language was directly lifted from the federal regulations. The reasons for the additions of language was to meet those federal requirements regarding flood plain management,” Farinon said. Without that specific language, Rochester would be at risk for losing federal support for flood insurance protection.
Farinon presented the board with a version of the proposal that eliminates redundant language while maintaining the minimum requirements set down by the federal government. The Planning Board closed the public hearing and found the draft proposal favorable. They will draft a letter stating their position to be sent to the Selectman, and request the matter be brought up at town meeting.
The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board will be on April 10 at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall.
By Eric Tripoli