Rochester Planning Board — September 8, 2026

The Rochester Planning Board met on September 8, 2026, addressing administrative approvals, multiple public hearing continuances, and a site plan modification for the Rochester Crossroads development. The board opened by approving the meeting minutes from August 18, 2026, followed by approving a slate of Field Engineering vouchers totaling several thousand dollars for peer review services on multiple solar, residential, and commercial developments across town.

Several application requests were processed quickly, beginning with an Approval Not Required (ANR) application filed by Michael and Mary Fitzgerald for 83 Hiller Road, which was withdrawn without prejudice at the applicant's request following questions raised by the building inspector concerning backlot frontage requirements. The board subsequently granted hearing continuances and decision deadline extensions to October 30, 2026, for two solar projects: Walnut Plain Road Solar One LLC (continued to September 22) and High Street Solar 1 & 2 LLC (continued to October 13).

The board then reviewed an application by Steen Realty and Development Corp. for a minor modification to the site plan review at Rochester Crossroads (22 Cranberry Highway), concerning the senior living access road and connections to the Seasons Marketplace ring road. Following extensive discussion regarding site coordination, roadway paving schedules, and septic approvals among the different parcel developers, the board unanimously voted to approve the minor modification incorporating four conditions recommended in Field Engineering Report Number 3. The board also scheduled a site visit to a storage facility for September 22 at 5:00 PM before adjourning.

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