By Peter Sclafani, Staff Writer
MANSFIELD — Residents of Sheffield Drive may breathe a sigh of relief after Monday night’s Planning Board meeting revealed a proposed compromise between the residents of the neighborhood and Dr. James Rockwell.
According to Gary Forshner, Mr. Rockwell’s attorney, Sheffield Drive residents approached his client with concerns regarding the proposed medical office buildings planned for 14 Sheffield Drive. But Mr. Forshner said Mr. Rockwell and residents have come to an agreement that has left both parties satisfied.
Residents have been concerned about the size of the buildings, the number of buildings, the size of the buffer zones and where the septic tank will be located on the property.
Instead of two single-story buildings, the new plan — shown as a concept at the meeting — only proposes one building, but it would be two stories. The new plan will be presented in its entirety at next month’s meeting on Aug. 27 and will not need the same variances as the original plan.
Attorney Ronald Gasiorowski, who represents THE residents concerned about the new medical complex, helped broker the deal.
Mr. Rockwell and his attorney presented new ideas to the board, which address the concerns residents have brought to their attention.
”This has just been done as a concept,” Mr. Forshner said.
According to Joseph Arsenault, of Arsenault Environmental Consulting, the proposed plans would not directly affect the wetlands, wetland buffers or wildlife habitat if it is put into action, which has been a cause of concern among the residents.
In addition to the change made to the buildings, the buffer zone facing Sheffield Drive will be extended from 20 feet to 30 feet. The parking lot of the complex will face the neighborhood as a way of providing an extra buffer between the homes and the office building.
The septic tank is located at the front of the property, facing Sheffield Drive, however, its position may change when the revised plans are presented.
Other changes to the project include a fence being installed as a buffer in lieu of trees on the north side of the property. Mr. Rockwell and his attorneys also agreed no work would be done to the outside of the buildings on weekends.
”Obviously, this has been a highly contested project. Hopefully, we can come to an agreement,” Mr. Gasiorowski said during the meeting.
Mr. Forshner assured the public that the new plan “will be consistent with what we have agreed to with the board.”
Joseph Jones, who lives directly across from the proposed project site, has made his position against the new development known in previous meetings. However, he said he is happy with the compromise both parties have reached.
”The process has been very smooth lately,” he said. “Dr. Rockwell has come forward and tried to fix the problems. Every concern we have had has been addressed.”

