Rochester Crossroads developers withdrew the applications for special permits for all their proposed signage, except one – the main pylon sign, the largest one visible from Interstate 495.
The Rochester Planning Board accepted Attorney Richard Serkey’s request to withdraw without prejudice the sign slated for visibility on Route 58, the one on Route 28, and the way-finding signs proposed for the main entryway of the commercial development. All that went before the board during the January 13 meeting was the tallest of them all, which would replace the existing 14-foot sign with a new 26-foot LED-illuminated sign.
The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals has already granted the Special Permit for the sign. Now the project falls under Site Plan Review with the Planning Board.
Board members voiced no major concerns with the proposed sign, but noted the significant difference in size from the existing sign at the location.
Chairman Arnold Johnson proposed continuing the matter until the next meeting to allow Building Department staff to gather a list of waivers and draft a decision. Although members did not vote that evening, all signs point to approval.
“Once the development takes shape, we’ll be back for the other signs that you allowed to be withdrawn,” said Serkey. He said the main pylon sign will feature the names of future retailers at the site and will be used to attract prospective tenants. “Once the development reaches the light of day,” said Serkey, and retail stores start to move in, they will have a better idea of their signage needs.
In other matters, the board granted an Approval Not Required Application for Michael Forand of 268 Mattapoisett Road to take two lots and combine them into one lot.
The board also approved the Special Permit for Susan McCarty of 570 New Bedford Road.
Also during the meeting, after a brief discussion over proposed amendments to the Town’s subdivision bylaws and the board’s past notion of a commercial overlay district, the board decided to hold an informal workshop for residents to attend and talk about commercial development in town. Johnson said residents in the past opposed the board’s idea of a commercial overlay district and this would be a chance for a question and answer forum before any proposals wind up on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
“I’d rather do it here than on Town Meeting floor,” said Johnson.
Come for the coffee and donuts, stay for the discussion. The board proposed the workshop for Saturday, February 7 at 9:00 am at the Town Hall. A notice will be posted.
The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for January 27 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.
By Jean Perry
