Bullard Farm Solar Hearing Continued

by Paul Saulnier 1/20/12

January 19, 2012. Neighbors of the Bullard Memorial Farm returned to Town Hall to participate in the public hearing that the Planning Board scheduled for site plan review and to rule on the removal of seven trees along Bullard Street, a designated scenic road.

Chairman Jack Donovan announced before opening the hearing that he intended to continue the hearing to the next meeting since member Geoff Zeamer was absent. Town attorney Mark Barbowski pointed out that any member who misses any part of a public hearing cannot vote on the petition. Hard to believe that the board members did not know that.

After much discussion, including sending everyone home, it was decided to open and close the hearing without discussion and, instead discuss the zoning issues associated with the proposed solar system.

Robert Orsi, attorney for the proponent, read portions of state statute and Holliston's bylaw, and asserted that Holliston cannot prohibit the installation or unreasonably regulate it, even though Holliston's bylaw does prohibit such installations in residential zones.

 
Attorney for the Planning Board, Mark Bobrowski, told members that this discussion is going on in towns across the commonwealth and that there is no case law to follow. He said he could not advise the board which way to go - a first for him in his career.

Attention then turned to whether all the electricity generated by the solar panels would be used in Holliston, which is considered part of the requirements of the state statute. Apparently the state does not want any of Holliston's electrons leaking down Fiske Street and into Sherborn.

Donovan asked the proponents to bring an expert to the next meeting (February 16, 2012 at 7:30 PM) to explain the system and answer questions. Look for Geoff to be in the picture next time.

Posted in Green, Neighborhood, Marketplace.

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