The August 17 meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission proved to be a tame affair with several uncomplicated hearings handled.
At the end of the meeting, Chairman Rosemary Smith announced that longtime Conservation Commission member Christopher York was stepping down from his seat. Smith said that due to relocating out of the area, York would be leaving the commission effective immediately.
Associate member Daniel Gagne, who has been monitoring commission hearings and learning the wetlands rules and regulations for nearly a year, was accepted to fill the slot vacated by York.
Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon said, “It has been a real pleasure to work with Chris.” Smith added, “You will be missed.
York smiled and said, “I had a great time.”
Smith asked York to submit a letter of resignation. The letter will be forwarded on to the selectmen.
A Notice of Intent filed by Joseph Rocha, 237 Walnut Plain Road, and a Request for Determination of Applicability from Don Collasius, 172 Braley Hill Road, both received approval to move forward with septic improvements and construction. Rocha’s NOI was needed, Farinon explained, versus a simple RDA filing due the location of Rocha’s septic system in relation to Doggett’s Brook.
A continued hearing from August 3 for the NOI filing by James Fraser and Katherine Hanson, 361 Snows Pond Road, for construction of a studio structure and repair of bordering vegetated wetlands previously disturbed received an Order of Conditions after its third and final hearing on this night.
The RDA filing by Center Village Condominiums represented by Carol Hardy, 7 Benjaman Drive, received a negative determination with standard conditions. The association sought and received permission to expand a driveway area and install outside lighting within a 100-foot buffer zone.
Lastly, Hipolita Almeida, 464 Walnut Plain Road, represented by engineer Rick Charon, received a negative determination of applicability for grading work to improve his driveway area and prepare the site for future garage construction.
The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for September 7 at 7:00 pm in the Rochester Town Hall meeting room.
By Marilou Newell
