Rochester resident Arnie Johnson met with the Planning Board on Dec. 5 to discuss buying the Frigate Steakhouse property at 806 Mill Street and replacing it with a produce market for New England-grown foods.

The 1.26-acre lot and former restaurant is owned  by Joe Sauro, who also owns Wareham’s Gateway Tavern.

Sauro met with the Board in September saying said he had two possibilities for the property: Keep the restaurant intact or develop affordable housing on the site.

Sauro recently put the property back on the market.

Johnson said the current structure would be torn down.

Planning Board Chairman Jay Ryder said development of the market would likely be a $500,000 investment.

The market would consist of organic products such as fresh produce, milk, honey, maple syrup, cheese, as well as dips, dressings and croutons.

The Planning Board advised Johnson that he would need a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals because of the intended change from restaurant to retail use of the site.

“[Johnson] would need Zoning Board of Appeals approval to move from one non-conforming use to another,” Magauran said. “We certainly don’t want to dry up costs for anyone who wants to do this.”

Johnson would also have to meet two Planning Board requirements for a site plan review:

First, Johnson would have to ensure that parking would be at least 50 feet from Route 6 on either the side, or behind the new building.

Second, Johnson would need an architect to conduct storm water drainage calculations.  Johnson said he plans to install a new septic system because the current one is not up to standard.

For now, Johnson said he would consider the Board’s recommendation.
“It’s a great opportunity here and I’m just trying to fit it altogether,” Johnson said.