In the packet for the Selectboard meeting on April 14, 2021, is correspondence to the Selectboard on an issue of concern to me. That issue is the Town Plan’s declaration that essentially all land in Norwich is a preferred site for solar development. At page 1 of the packet is a memorandum from former Selectboard member Steve Flanders. In it, he questions the “advisability of that approach.”
The memorandum makes two key points. First, designating specific parcels sends a better message to solar developers. It tells “potential developers that these are the locations where [towns] would like to see development occur,” quoting a Vermont Department of Public Service publication.
I think it might also send a message to landowners. Your parcel is well suited for solar. That might spur the owner to consider solar.
Second, the memo notes past land use controversies that caused great public concern. “[It] would be prudent to identify preferred sites as part of a plan, rather than to arouse public emotions when a project is proposed unexpectedly for a scenic meadow or a wooded tract.”
I further note that the Town has also witnessed mini-controversies regarding solar. These include the solar panel farms on the Fire District land and Turnpike Road, as well as a 3300 square feet project in the ridgeline protected area.
In addition, despite broad support for solar, I find troubling the Town’s willingness to cede local control on the use of open space to the PUC. Proceedings there likely need the involvement of lawyers. That’s a far different forum than residents working out differences before the Selectboard. Moreover, the Town itself may someday wish it had retained a semi-veto on solar farms Here is an excerpt from my post after adoption of the Town Plan.
“Thanks for keeping it local,” is a Norwich mantra. Except … when it comes to the siting of solar panel farms. In that case, the Selectboard and Planning Commission think its okay to punt those decisions to the PUC. It is part of the new Town Plan, adopted by the Selectboard on Saturday, March 7[, 2020]
The old Town Plan, adopted less than two years ago, took a case by case approach to commercial solar projects. Many Vermont towns do the same. That approach meant solar developers wanted the Selectboard’s blessing of the project in connection with applying for a permit from the PUC. As discussed below, the informal review process worked well in Norwich.
The new Town Plan eliminates the local step. My view is that community input and outreach on the local level should be encouraged not avoided.
Thanks for reading my blog. If you want to subscribe, please submit your email address in the subscribe box in the right hand column above.