“A public hearing was conducted by the Wilbraham Planning Board on May 24 to discuss changes requested to the special permit for the yet-to-be-built solar field at 285 Three Rivers Rd.
Chair John McCloskey recused himself, as he is an abutter of the project. Vice Chair Jim Rooney explained to those present that the board had decided to conduct a public hearing on the matter because of its controversial nature and location near wetlands.
Planning Board member Tracey Plantier ran through the history of the project, which first begin with an August 2018 application. After three public hearings and conditions issued by the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board denied the special permit. Amp Solar Group filed suit and the Land Court ordered the denial reversed, which was done in June 2021.
Lawrence Cook, senior project manager for Amp Solar Group, requested an extension to the deadline and changes to the site plan to include new drainage infrastructure. Rooney told the residents in the room that the hearing’s purpose was not to relitigate the Land Court decision but to ask questions about the proposed changes.”
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Heinonen, Sarah. The Reminder 31 May 2023.