WORTHINGTON — The community will have an opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns to the Planning Board on Thursday regarding the development of a proposed large-scale, ground-mounted solar array on a 28-acre open field at 190 Ridge Road.
BWC Wades Stream LCC, a subsidiary of Boston-based BlueWave Solar, filed an application with the town in mid-September proposing the installation of 7,462 ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels and battery system that would produce 3.95 megawatts of energy.
Since the proposed project overlaps with the town’s “Water Supply Protection District,” a special permit is required for Blue Wave to move forward.
“Our approach is to try and understand everyone’s concerns and mitigate the concerns as best we can,” said Bart Niswonger, chair of the Planning Board, noting that there is little to no chance to pushing back against the project. “I think it is very important that people understand how hard it is for towns throughout the state to challenge these projects.”
He cited Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, Section 3, which states that “No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit or unreasonably regulate the installation of solar energy systems or the building of structures that facilitate the collection of solar energy, except where necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare.”
“Unless you can show some threat to public health, safety or welfare, the courts are not interested,” said Niswonger. “And it is has proven very hard, bordering impossible, to make the case that these systems offer a threat.”
The full proposal, including plans, can be reviewed at the Worthington Town Hall at 160 Huntington Road, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The proposal is also on the town’s website.
The Planning Board public hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall.