The Marion Planning Board and Energy Management Committee voted in favor of creating a Solar Task Force that would discuss matters pertinent to the possible solar panel farms coming to Marion in the near future. The task force was recommended at the Planning Board’s regular meeting on Tuesday, September 4 in the Marion Town House.
The task force will be comprised of two members from both groups. From the Planning Board, Ted North and Sherman Briggs agreed to assume the roles. The Energy Management Committee will discuss potential representatives and appoint them at a later date.
A proposed solar panel farm is in the works in Marion, and according to the Planning Board, the Marion Transfer Station is the most logical and likely place it will be constructed. The farm would be approximately 2 – 2.5 acres in size. The Planning Board worries, however, because there are no bylaws or regulations in place for solar farms.
“It would be a benefit for our town to get some design standards and put them in the bylaws,” said North.
North believes that there should be rules and regulations for residences wishing to use solar panels on their homes. There are two types of installations: pole mounted and ground. Panels can also be flat or angular. Regulations would keep the town consistent with their panels.
In order for the bylaws to be established, the landfill’s zoning status would have to be changed from a residential status to a light industrial status. Zoning statuses can only be changed at Town Meeting. Both committees were torn in rushing to get the proposal drafted before the Fall Town Meeting or waiting to get more information on the project and inform the public.
While the majority of both committees believe the landfill is the perfect location for the project, it is still facing opposition from a few members.
“Why would you pick an environmentally unfriendly setting to build a solar farm on?” asked North.
Both committees agreed more information was necessary before they could decide whether or not the plan would be ready to bring to Town Meeting this fall.
“None of us have enough information,” said Planning Board Member Thomas Magauran. “Until we have a real project, we shouldn’t make a decision.”
The Marion Planning Board will meet again on Monday, September 17 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Town House.
By Katy Fitzpatrick