ROCKLAND - September 2 - Rockland's Town Planner Allyson Quinn requested the Select Board establish a five-member zoning bylaw review committee to address the needs of evolving small businesses that don't fit into current zoning regulations, including several residents with conditional approval for at-home business uses who are unsure how to comply with existing codes.
The Full Story
Quinn told the board that entrepreneurs, including cottage kitchen operators who bake at home, have approached town staff uncertain about fitting into Rockland's zoning code. "It is important that Rockland make sure that we are capturing the needs of our small business communities so that they can thrive here," Quinn said.
The proposed committee would explore needs of evolving markets and the changing economy to better serve small businesses. Quinn also recommended the work include potential amendments to the Downtown Rockland Revitalization Overlay District (DRROD), also known as the 40R district, which has been in place for several years but has not produced any projects.
"When the DRROD zoning was written and adopted, it was well-crafted and thoughtful. However, with post-COVID skyrocketing costs coupled with inflation impacting construction materials, we may need to slightly amend or modify that zoning to capture the additional value needed to incentivize potential projects," Quinn explained.
The committee would be community-driven rather than appointed by existing boards, with Quinn serving as the point of contact for interested residents. Board members expressed support for including small business entrepreneurs who have faced zoning challenges.
In other major business, Park Commissioners presented updates on multiple projects including a $250,000 franchise opportunity to bring Futures Collegiate Baseball League to Memorial Stadium. Commissioner Joe Paolucci explained the league features college players from across the country, with 35% required to be from New England or attend New England colleges. The league currently has seven teams playing in former professional stadiums.
"We're really interested in bringing Rockland into the mix," Paolucci said, noting the league has over 150 drafted players and 30 who have made major league debuts. The franchise fee would likely be reduced to around $100,000 for Rockland due to the smaller stadium size compared to other venues.
Park Commissioner Brian Martin reported progress on several infrastructure projects, including refencing baseball field two at Spring Street, conducting a fit study for softball fields at Jefferson Park, and the highly anticipated track project at Bicentennial Park funded through Community Preservation Act funds. The track, which would be Rockland's first varsity track since 2002, is expected to be completed by September 2026.
The board also addressed state Cannabis Control Commission draft regulations for social consumption establishments. Town Administrator Doug Lapp recommended the town not opt into allowing such facilities, citing public safety concerns and unclear regulatory language. Police Chief Nicholas Zeoli supported recommendations from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, which outline concerns about enforcement, staff training, and impaired driving detection.
"Before we even consider it, I'd be more willing to consider it if they would follow those recommendations," Chief Zeoli said, though he noted positive working relationships with existing cannabis dispensaries in town.
The board unanimously approved Lapp's request to submit comments to the state emphasizing clearer local control language and generally supporting police chiefs' safety recommendations, though some members expressed concerns about treating marijuana more restrictively than alcohol.
In routine business, the board approved a Community Development Block Grant waiver for a housing rehabilitation project that exceeded federal cost caps due to rising construction costs. They also announced a collective bargaining agreement with the highway and parks union featuring 2.5% annual wage increases.
Multiple board members encouraged residents to vote in the September 13 special election for fire department ladder truck and fire station proposals, with early voting beginning September 3. The projects would cost an average of $223 per year for taxpayers.
Why It Matters
The proposed zoning review committee could make it easier for home-based and small businesses to operate legally in Rockland, potentially spurring economic development. Current zoning gaps have left some entrepreneurs in regulatory limbo, requiring conditional approvals while permanent solutions are developed.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve CDBG housing rehabilitation waiver. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 38:57)
Motion: Authorize Town Administrator to submit comments on cannabis social consumption regulations. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 56:44)
What's Next
Town Planner Quinn will collect applications for the proposed zoning review committee and return to the board when five members are identified. Park Commissioners will continue negotiations with Futures Baseball League representatives. Town Administrator will submit comments to the Cannabis Control Commission by September 8 deadline. Multiple infrastructure projects including the track at Bicentennial Park and Lincoln School hazmat remediation will proceed with contractor selection.