Rochester approves solar farm by-laws, recreational fields

Oct 23, 2012

Rochester residents made short work of two articles at the Special Town Meeting Monday night.

An article setting up regulations for large-scale solar photovoltaic installations received no comment and got 100 percent approval from voters.

Before the meeting, Town Administrator Richard LaCamera said the article was not related to a proposed solar farm by the City of New Bedford.

“We don’t have solar by-laws,” he said. “This is what you will need to do to put a solar farm on your property.

Improvements to Dexter Lane’s recreational area also received unanimous approval from voters.

The proposed project involves constructing a Little League field, a multipurpose field and fencing for the existing skateboard park.

Town Administrator Richard LaCamera said, “There will be no cost and no funds from the town of Rochester.”

A state grant will reimburse 58 percent of the $85,000 cost of the improvements, and the Little League will make up the difference, said LaCamera.