Plumb Corner housing development gets final approval

Apr 15, 2020

ROCHESTER — A senior housing development planned for Plumb Corner, first proposed in 2018, finally obtained Planning Board approval after a series of setbacks. 

At the April 14 online Rochester Planning Board meeting the board reviewed a draft decision for the 22 duplexes. The development would include a total of 44 2-bedroom condominiums for those 55 years of age and older.

The project was complicated in 2018 by long-standing drainage issues at Plumb Corner, as stormwater runoff from the Plumb Corner Mall was draining into wetlands. Now, Plumb Corner has its own drainage system. 

JC Engineering has developed a drainage system for the condominium complex. The condominium association will be responsible for maintaining the drainage system in perpetuity.

Planning Board chair Arnold Johnson said that the project had been looked at by the town’s engineer and Town Counsel Blair Bailey.

Bailey said he had “been through several versions [of the decision.] It’s a good document.” 

“Finally, Mike!” one of the board members said to owner Mike LaCava, after the approval. 

The approval only allows REPurpose Properties to construct the new road and infrastructure to start. Once that is completed to the building inspector’s satisfaction, building permits would be released. 

The Planning Board also considered how to do site visits and public hearings during the stay-at-home order. They decided that since all applicants have been understanding, they would open public hearings and start them, but not finish them until normal business resumes. 

“I’m not looking to close any public hearings until we can meet in person” Planning Board Chair Arnold Johnson said. 

However, he also decided to tackle about two hearings each meeting and move them as close as possible to public input so they would not face excessive work after the governor’s order lifts.