The engineer and developer of a proposed 400 kilowatt solar energy installation met with the Rochester Planning Board on February 9 for an informal discussion of the application before a formal submittal for site plan review.
This sixth solar farm for Rochester is slated for 188 and 190 Marion Road – two lots that developer Meadowatt, LLC wishes to combine into one lot.
Engineer Greg Wirsen said the detailed plan would ensure that the solar farm would not be seen from the street. With the use of a solid-panel granite-style wall, chain link fencing, and assorted vegetation, Wirsen said a hired botanist is helping to thoughtfully plan out the landscaping.
“We wanted to pick out some native species that did well around here so they’re not just ornamental,” said Wirsen. “We wanted to create a feel of going along Route 105.”
A planting screen, said Wirsen, that’s “not vanilla.”
The applicant will also submit an application with the Zoning Board of Appeals to address zoning and use. The property is located in a residential-agricultural zone and, with only one primary use allowed on any property in Rochester, the ZBA would have to grant Meadowatt, LLC permission to keep an existing house on the lot for residential use as well as the solar farm for commercial use.
Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson gave Wirsen a $750 figure for the application fee and an escrow account amount of $3,000.
Board member Ben Bailey had some comments about the selected screening plantings, advising Wirsen that deer would devour certain species such as the arborvitae and red cedar.
“I applaud the variety, but it won’t work,” Bailey said. “You’ll waste almost every nickel on it.”
The board granted the project a number of waivers requested by the developer, including a formal survey on tree cutting, and plans pertaining to lighting, landscaping, and open space maintenance.
The board entertained the questions and concerns from two neighbors to the proposed solar farm who admitted they were “newbies” just getting acquainted with the Tao of solar farm development and the ramifications of one moving into their neighborhood.
Johnson advised Lynette and Art Lander to speak with the Assessors’ Office regarding potential property value impact.
“We have several solar projects in various stages,” said Johnson. One in the north end, for example he said, has been online for two years. Regarding noise, traffic, glare, and other typical concerns of abutters, “We have a pretty good history there,” Johnson said.
Also during the meeting, Richard Serkey representing Rochester Crossroads, developer of land on Cranberry Highway, asked the board to sponsor an article for Town Meeting to change the zoning from residential to commercial of two properties they recently acquired for future development. The board agreed.
In other matters, solar farm developer Renewable Energy, LLC requested a continuance for the public hearing for a solar energy installation on New Bedford Road until February 23.
The board has also continued the public hearing for Melink Corporation for its proposed Snipatuit Road solar farm until it receives a decision from the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program regarding species habitat.
The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for February 23 at 7:00 pm at the Rochester Senior Center on Dexter Lane.
By Jean Perry
