The Rochester Conservation Commission met November 4 on a Wednesday night instead of its usual Tuesday due to the previous day’s presidential election, and two projects that hired Wareham-based G.A.F. Engineering, Inc. made substantial progress.
Cranberry Highway, LLC, received a Certificate of Compliance for work completed at 15 Cranberry Highway that redeveloped an existing property so it can house Countryside Daycare Center.
Represented by Bob Rogers of G.A.F. Engineering, Cranberry Highway, LLC limited construction to a playground and a water-quality basin. An August as-built survey yielded the need to add more material on top of the berm for the water quality basin. “Everything is vegetated and looking nice out there,” said Rogers.
Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon recommended that the Conservation Commission issue the Certificate of Compliance.
“It was kind of a retrofit of an existing project where they modified a building that was outside of the commission’s jurisdiction,” said Farinon, explaining the need for improvements to its stormwater collection system. “The design was to build a water quality basin which discharged directly to an existing drainage basin that was already on the property. Stone spillways are in place at two locations. They made supplemental plantings.”
In a separate public hearing, Jesper and Jennifer Ingerslev of 20 Stoney Run Lane in Marion received a positive Order of Conditions for work they propose at 0 Gerrish Road.
Represented by Brian Grady of G.A.F. Engineering, Inc., the Ingerslevs proposed construction of a single-family house, of which the eastern-most corner will sit inside the 100-foot buffer zone to an isolated vegetated wetland and an off-site cranberry bog.
Farinon said she had reviewed the wetland line and flagging and agreed with the line. All proposed work is planned to occur outside the 25-foot no-disturb zone, and the closest point of work is approximately 35 feet from the no-disturb zone. Farinon recommended that a positive Order of Conditions be issued with the stipulation of erosion-control barriers.
Two applicants requested continuances of their cases to future meetings. Featherbed Lane South Solar, LLC, which had filed a Notice of Intent that was continued from October 20, requested a continuance to November 17 to review peer-review comments. Cushman Road Solar, LLC requested a continuance to December 1 to respond to abutters’ comments.
Under New Business, the commission voted to accept two new regulations under the Rochester Wetlands Bylaw meant to expedite processes and better serve residents. A third regulation involving a Tree Removal Request Application was postponed until ConCom can be joined by Town Counsel Blair Bailey, who was not able to attend the November 4 meeting.
The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at 7:00 pm.
Rochester Conservation Commission
By Mick Colageo