SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC FACILITY FOR SHERBORN?

In a previous post, I discussed the five criteria needed in order to become a designated "Green Community." Two of those criteria can be met with a single amendment to the Zoning Bylaw. The amendment would allow a solar photovoltaic electrical generation facility to locate by right (that is, without requiring a special permit) somewhere in Town and to do so with an "expedited permitting" process that would result in a permit within 12 months of application.

The type of facility that must be allowed needs to have a minimum capacity of 250 kilowatts. It is estimated that such a facility would require about an acre of land. Both the Energy Committee and Planning Board have been working on a warrant article that, if passed at Annual Town Meeting next April, would meet the 2 criteria.

The State has provided a model bylaw that contains most of the technical language that needs to be included in the bylaw. While decisions still need to be made about the exact proposal, what has been discussed is to designate the former landfill site (transfer station and recycling center) and/or the existing electrical transmission lines (and possibly some adjacent land) as an overlay district that would qualify as a site for such a facility. While the use would be allowed by right under the Zoning Bylaw, it would still be subject to site plan review by the Planning Board, all Conservation Commission regulations and any other Town requirements.

Such a bylaw would provide  an economic use for land that otherwise has little or no economic value. It could provide revenue to the Town through a ground lease(if located on a Town-owned site like the former landfill) and possibly through lower utility bills. In addition, qualifying as a Green Community would make the Town eligible for grants for other alternative energy or conservation projects, further reducing Town costs.

I will provide more information on this and other aspects of the effort to become a Green Community as it becomes available.