East Windsor Residents Plan Rally At Town Hall

EAST WINDSOR, CT — Residents who oppose the proposed expansion of the Gravel Pit Solar project are planning a rally outside East Windsor Town Hall on Thursday evening before a special Board of Selectmen meeting on the issue.

The rally is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, outside Town Hall at 11 Rye St. The selectmen meeting is set for 6 p.m.

Organizers are asking residents to bring signs and show up before the meeting as the town continues dealing with the ongoing dispute tied to Connecticut Siting Council Petition 492A.

Rally Planned Before Meeting

The event is being promoted as a way for residents to show their concerns before town leaders discuss the solar project inside Town Hall.

The flyer for the rally includes messages such as “Protect Our Farmland,” “No More Mega Solar,” and “Save Our Town.”

Meeting Will Address Solar Case

According to the meeting agenda, the Board of Selectmen will first enter executive session to discuss pending litigation connected to the Connecticut Siting Council decision on Petition 492A. The board is also expected to discuss and vote on possible next steps involving the petition.

Farmland Concerns Driving Pushback

Residents behind the rally and an online petition say expanding the solar project would take more farmland out of use and replace it with large solar arrays.

They have also raised concerns about possible impacts on nearby wetlands, wildlife and the town’s rural character.

Project Already Controversial In Town

The Gravel Pit Solar project has been a major topic in East Windsor for several years. The original 120-megawatt utility-scale solar facility was approved by the Connecticut Siting Council in 2021 and began operating in 2025.

In 2026, the siting council approved a 30-megawatt expansion, which added to local frustration about farmland loss and the growing number of large solar projects in town.

Residents Also Question The Process

Opponents say changes to the project should go through a new application instead of reopening an existing docket. They argue a new review would give residents more opportunity to speak and take part in the process.

Rally Expected Before Town Discussion

With town officials preparing to talk about possible next steps in the case, Thursday’s rally is expected to bring residents to Town Hall before the meeting begins.