Solar Farm Voted Delayed Until Next Week

Residents expecting a vote on the proposed solar farm on Branch Street will have to wait one more week.

With a Dec. 10 vote on the proposal possible, a light commissioners meeting was not held, delaying a vote to Dec. 17.

According to Town Manager Bill Ross, the vote was delayed due to the town researching the extent of the AUL (activity and use limitations) that restricts what the land can and cannot be used for.

“The question is can you actually build buildings and those are the answers we need to know,” Ross said.

According to Ross, town council Lou Ross (no relation) is researching the issue and will hopefully have an answer by next week’s meeting.

The selectmen, acting as light commissioners, held a workshop last week to address the concerns of abutters and residents.

Over 100 questions were submitted by residents, including some received only hours before last Wednesday’s meeting. Gary Babin, the director of the electric department said many of the concerns, including mainly those about environmental, health, noise, and lights, would be addressed the power-purchase agreement between the town and the developer of the project, IRG Mansfield.

According to Babin, the project is estimated to save the town about $2 million over 25 years.