The Rochester Planning Board Tuesday re-opened its Site Plan Review Permit Hearing on a proposal to build a one-megawatt, ground-mounted solar array on Walnut Plain Road to a roomful of abutters and residents with questions.
The Walnut Plain Road installation will be on a 9.5-acre footprint of a 21-acre parcel, said project representative Sarah Stern. The array itself will cover six acres and include a fenced-in perimeter and vegetative screens.
Residents immediately raised a myriad of concerns. Michael Kennefick, an attorney representing close abutter Sarah Preston, said his recent letter to the board disputes the soil type that the developer assumes is on site as they calculate that of water runoff to plan for. Clay will lead to a different runoff than sand when paved. His client’s property is four acres on the east side that could see more runoff. Stern responded that soil types are an assumption at this point, test pits and plan adjustments will come after the basic design is approved.
Abutter Kim Ashley said she objected to the project because she owns deeded cranberry land to the north and the project would block her deeded right of way. Chair Arnold Johnson noted other solar projects in town have solved easement issues by moving the easement access. Ashley, an attorney by trade, agreed to give the board a copy of that documentation. Ultimately, the board continued this hearing to July 14 to allow time for a review from the town’s peer engineer.
The meeting began with an informal discussion of a proposed back lot subdivision at 83 Hiller Road and Winters Way. The developer’s representative Brian Wallace explained this 13.6-acre site checks all the boxes for a Form A residential lot, but he wanted to know if the proposed road meets the town’s standards. The board signaled it had no problem with the plan. Wallace said he will now submit a formal Form A lot permit application.
In other action, the board continued to June 23 its site plan review hearing on a plan to clear and re-grade land behind Town Hall for an 8,220-square foot parking lot.
The board also continued to June 23 its two-site plan review and special permit hearings for High Street Solar 1 and 2 at 0 High St. The total property is 120 acres; the installation will cover 20 acres. Application two covers the northern lots near Mayflower Lane. Application covers the remainder.
The Rochester Planning Board’s next scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.
Rochester Planning Board
By Michael J. DeCicco