SOUTH DEERFIELD — Does a solar farm jive with the agricultural character of a farming town?
Some neighboring residents expressed their frustrations to the Deerfield Planning Board Monday night over a proposed 2.2-megawatt, nearly 50-acre solar field on the property of the Chet and Ann Ostrowski farm, sitting alongside the Interstate 91 corridor and Settright Road,
“This project is anything but” agricultural, David Dacyczyn said during a public hearing. “The board has to consider the domino effect that could happen.”
Dacyczyn was worried that allowing a solar farm of this size would set a precedent and could allow for them all around town. His concerns were similar to some of the dozen others in attendance at Deerfield Town Hall.
“The impact to the natural environment is it’s going to make it ugly,” Dacyczyn said.
His and the property of his neighbors have a view across the current farmland and through to Mt. Toby, the residents explained.
The board, led by John Waite, recommended that the Charlottesville, Va., national developers bring back more information on similar-scale projects.
The project needs a special permit from the planning board because it is not in an industrial area. The hearing will be continued to Sept. 17.
The project by Hexagon Energy received a nod of approval from the Deerfield Selectboard last month. The board also voted away the town’s right to first refusal.
The proposal would lease the land for 20 to 30 years, would allow the farmland to return to its agricultural state afterward and would have some minimal growth underneath the panels that may allow for pollination. Hexagon hopes to work with the state to be a part of the pilot program “SMART,” Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target.
While the proposal was greeted favorably by the Selectboard, by the time it got a public hearing in mid-August, abutters came to express their grievances.
Many residents vocalized a worry that the project could drive down their property values.
The project would have solar panels up to 8 feet tall and likely have a 7½-foot fence with vegetation to cover it.
The developers initially said there may be up to 15 utility poles that could go up around the project, designed to get the electricity on the grid. Hexagon agreed to bury the lines underground.
Hexagon’s development manager Scott Remer said his company’s plans do, in fact, benefit the town and keep to its character.
Residents questioned how this project could benefit the town. Remer and the developers said it could bring about $30,000 annually back to Deerfield, among other potential tax financial benefits.