| Joanne Cole |
Novel Energy Solutions provided updates on decommissioning plans and fire-related questions for their proposed community solar farm off Lewiston Road at the Planning Board November 1 meeting. In addition, Matt Ray of Five Maples, LLC, discussed plans to convert a single-family residence to a multi-unit for short-term rentals in the Upper Village. As Novel has done, Five Maples will be returning to the board with additional information.
Novel Energy solar farm. By now a familiar guest in the Meetinghouse, Brittney Krebsbach of Novel Energy Solutions was back and ready to take questions about a last few open items on Novel’s application. Among them were the firm’s more-detailed de-commissioning plan and access and firefighting solutions.
On de-commissioning, under the town’s ordinance, solar project developers must lay out in advance how they will remove the array at the end of its useful life, deal with its components and restore the site. That plan must then undergo peer review. Developers are also required to provide financial guaranties in the event the installation is abandoned. At the November 1 board meeting, Novel was checking off those boxes, having submitted a letter from an independent engineering firm approving Novel’s detailed plan and associated cost estimates.
Novel also submitted a letter from Interim Fire Rescue Chief Craig Bouchard addressing access and fire issues, another box checked off. With the array’s location well off Lewiston Road—closer to the turnpike than to Route 100 as the crow flies—vehicle access and water supply for firefighting have been questions for Fire Rescue as well as the board.
The solution discussed at this meeting has Novel supplying a utility terrain vehicle at its expense. A UTV is brawnier than its ATV cousin and can transport an injured individual from a remote setting and be rigged with a hose and reel to bring water close. It would be used town-wide and replace a now-dead hose ‘mule.’ Novel’s attorney has reviewed the arrangement, Krebsbach said. So has New Gloucester’s attorney, Town Planner Natalie Thomsen told NGX.
Board member Steve Libby asked what would happen if the Select Board were to decide not to accept the UTV. (Ongoing maintenance and eventual vehicle replacement costs could be concerns.) Krebsbach said Novel is comfortable going with an alternative fire suppression system if the UTV idea is rejected.
The board moved on. Other items, including the array’s perimeter fencing design for wildlife passage and recommended spruce plantings for visual screening, were quickly touched on.
Chair Doug McAtee then brought up residents’ requests for a second public hearing. Board members cited changes in the project over the course of board review and possible due process issues as reasons to reconvene. Novel’s representatives pushed back lightly, saying the company had already fully addressed the board’s concerns and resolved the issues raised by residents at the public hearing – in other words, due process was met.
A vote followed, 2-1-1, with McAtee and Steve Libby voting for a second public hearing, Dan Ellingson opposed, and alternate Jean Libby, stepping in to make a quorum, abstaining.
The public hearing was tentatively set for Tuesday, November 15.
Four-unit conversion in the Upper Village. Board members and applicant Matt Ray had what turned out to be a preliminary discussion of Five Maples’ proposal to convert an existing single-family home at 52 Peacock Hill Road in the Upper Village into a four-unit structure for short-term Airbnb-type rentals. The 5.5-acre parcel abuts the Post Office and sits between Lewiston Road (Route 100) and Peacock Hill Road in the Upper Village District (Map 19 Lot 26).
Ray explained that Five Maples plans to keep the existing footprint but add a porch and decks; the four units will have their own egresses, he said. Extensive interior work lies ahead to create independent units lies, along with a new roof, windows, doors and siding.
In response to a question from Ray, Planner Natalie Thomsen noted that the town doesn’t have a specific ordinance for short-term or Airbnb-like rentals. Board members and Ray proceeded to discuss soils and septic, whether the existing dug well can provide an adequate supply of quality water, parking spaces and fire suppression requirements, among other topics.
At the very top of Ray’s to-do list, however, will be developing a more complete site plan to bring back to the board. Questions, more conversation and decisions about a possible site walk and public hearing will follow.
To watch the video of the November 1, 2022, Planning Board meeting, click here. For agendas, plans and other information, check the Planning Board page at this link.
