REpurpose Properties, LLC, developers of a proposed 55+ housing development on Rounseville Road next to Plumb Corner, are close to reaching an agreement with the property owner over drainage and the playground, stated REpurpose’s attorney.
Attorney Peter Paul told the Rochester Planning Board on September 25 that the “hard part” is almost over, saying that property owner Bray Gibbs and REpurpose owner Mike LaCava will split the cost of improving the drainage system, adding, “We want to get this project … built as soon as possible.”
Now for the easy part: getting permission from the owner of Plumb Corner to enter the property to fix the drainage problem that originates at Plumb Corner, Paul said.
Paul said he has prepared a proposed settlement agreement that he would forward to town counsel once it is signed.
“I think we should be able to hammer that out,” said Paul.
Paul hopes the project can return before the board resolved at the next meeting, and Planning Board Chairman Arnie Johnson suggested that LaCava establish an escrow account in order to provide funding for a peer review engineer to inspect the drainage.
On behalf of Plumb Corner, Attorney Patricia McArdle said her party is “definitely cooperating.”
“We’re not trying to obstruct anything … and certainly it’s an improvement for us,” said McArdle.
Johnson replied, “I’m glad there’s progress being made … and hopefully we can get this thing rolling in October and get it all wrapped up.”
The hearing was continued until October 9.
Also during the meeting, the board held an informal hearing for Countryside Daycare at 15 Cranberry Highway. The owner plans to divide the lot into two lots. Before going to a public hearing, Johnson suggested opening an escrow account for the peer review engineer to start inspecting existing drainage, in addition to an informal traffic survey. The plan will likely come before the board officially in the beginning of 2019.
The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for October 9 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.
Rochester Planning Board
By Jean Perry