A proposal for a two-phase construction of a canal canopy solar array and a dual-use energy array that will be used for renewable energy and agricultural purposes was heard by the Rochester Planning Board on September 14 without conclusion.
The new public hearing was opened solely to continue the application to the board’s next meeting on September 28, but that action paved the way for an informal discussion of the application filed by Hingham-based Renewable Energy Partners, LLC for Special Permits for a solar array and groundwater protection for property located at 109 Neck Road.
As explained by Planning Board Chairman Arnie Johnson, the board did not hold an informal meeting to discuss the project and, on the advice of Town Counsel, opened the hearing solely to continue the meeting to the Planning Board’s next meeting on September 28. By then, the board’s engineer will have examined the project.
In the wake of that action, Sarah Stearns of Beals & Thomas gave an overview of the project to acquaint the board and interested citizens. There is no sitework in connection to the solar-canopy project, according to Stearns.
The setback of the proposed, 3.2-acre project from Neck Road is approximately 1,700 feet. The panels when tilted in the morning toward the sun will be 12 feet high on one end and 8 feet high on the opposite end. At noon, the panels will be horizontal at 10 feet off the ground. Spacing at 23 feet will support a strategic use of light for agricultural purposes.
Stearns told the board that the project has begun the vetting process with the Conservation Commission.
Johnson said the project will need a 16-foot-wide road inside the fence for fire protection. He also said that the Planning Board reserves the right in its decision that, should the screening not be considered adequate, then the applicant will be required to address the matter. “Because this is out in the middle of nowhere, the screening has to be done first,” said Johnson.
It was pointed out to Stearns that, since the light poles in the background of the project are visible from Snipatuit Pond, so will the solar array be visible. The applicant suggested producing images of the view from abutting properties across Snipatuit Pond.
Johnson said the board also must decide on whether to approve the vegetation plan for underneath the solar array. He referenced a failed experiment off Route 58 in Carver where solar panels are atop a bog no longer capable of cranberry harvesting. Johnson said that discussion would be held in earnest when the board next convenes on September 28.
During Stearns’ presentation, several comments came in via the computer chat function, but Johnson said the board cannot address the comments because the public hearing had already been continued to pave the way for the informal discussion.
Anticipating a site visit in advance of the board’s September 28 meeting, Johnson requested a general staking of the project to establish a reference point.
The review of the draft decision for the Longbow Lane project in which Planning Board member Ben Bailey proposes a definitive subdivision at 0 Gerrish Road was not rendered. Citing the discussions that occurred during the public hearings of the case, Johnson thought it prudent to wait in case there are any other questions on it.
Bailey, who was represented by Bob Rogers of G.A.F. Engineering, once again recused himself from participation as a board member. Regarding the change in lot numbers, Johnson said, “There was no misinterpretation on this board’s part. … We were not notified.”
A public hearing continued from July 27 in which Cushman Solar, LLC filed applications for Special Permits for a 3.9-megawatt (large-scale) solar array and groundwater protection for property located at 0 Cushman Road was continued at the applicant’s request to September 28.
An Approval Not Required (ANR) filed by Decas Cranberry for a single-lot subdivision at 0 Mary’s Pond Road was approved by the board.
A review of the application filed by Snipatuit Road Solar, LLC was met by a swift vote to approve the final decision.
The last item discussed was the Plumb Corner development and its infrastructural problems. Conservation Commission Chairman Chris Gerrior, in attendance, asked Johnson about a potential enforcement order. Johnson said the project owners know the town’s deadlines and are running out of time.
Johnson took a moment to welcome Gerrior’s interest and said he looks forward to working with him so as to maximize the commission’s input and vice versa. Earlier in the meeting, new Town Planner Nancy Durfee was welcomed by Johnson, who told the board that he and Durfee plan to visit various sites of open cases to give the new planner an orientation.
The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, September 28, at 7:00 pm in hybrid format. The meeting is held at the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School library and also accessible via Zoom.
Rochester Planning Board
By Mick Colageo