Little Compton continues to ponder solar rules

Posted 4/12/19

LITTLE COMPTON — For the fourth time since last October, the Little Compton Town Council last Thursday evening took under consideration a proposed solar ordinance for the community, heard a handful …

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Little Compton continues to ponder solar rules

Posted

LITTLE COMPTON — For the fourth time since last October, the Little Compton Town Council last Thursday evening took under consideration a proposed solar ordinance for the community, heard a handful of public comments, and as it had on prior occasions, and without further action, kicked the proposal down the road to the planning board.

On this occasion, only about four members of the public offered comments at the hearing. When they were done, they were asked to put their comments in writing and to submit them to Town Clerk Carol Wordell by Thursday, April 11. She will then forward the written comments to the planning board, along with the draft minutes of the council hearing (that also included comments by the town councilors themselves about the draft).

The planning board will likely then stitch the comments into yet another version of the proposed ordinance, and will later return to the council with the update.

A brief hearing, seeking direction

During last Thursday's hearing it wasn't clear in what direction the proposal was heading.

Sid Wordell, who said he owned property (the land on which Wilbur's Store was located) in the center of town, expressed concerns about a requirement that a solar applicant might have to post a bond or cash security sufficient to cover the cost of the installation's removal, and restoration of the site, after the useful life of the installation.

Why should it be removed, and why should there be a bond, Mr. Wordell asked. Little Compton "has very few businesses" and Mr. Wordell said he questioned the wisdom of "additional restrictions on business."

Councilor Larry Anderson reminded Mr. Wordell that removal bonds and site remediation apply to ground-mounted arrays, not roof-mounted. He said many other communities require removal and site remediation, costs for which can reach the level of $280,000, according to a state survey, he said.

Councilor Paul Golembeske was hesitant about the revised proposal. "There are so many questions here," he said. "I don't see this proposal as ready."

Mr. Golembeske seemed to be saying that additional limitations and restrictions, written into the proposal, might have the effect of discouraging solar installations, "at a time when our purpose should be to encourage these things, not discourage them."

Richard Ross, a planning board member sitting in the audience, said the town's comprehensive plan played a role in developing the proposal.

"The underlying basis for this ordinance is very, very solid," said Don McNaughton, chairman of the Conservation Commission. "Let's not let the tweaking discolor the ordinance. Many towns are wishing they'd put more time into developing their own solar ordinances. Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. It's getting quite close to something we can support."

Council President Robert Mushen expressed concerns about adding more and more elements to the proposal, at a time when no one seems to be seeking a solar display in town.

"Yet on the other hand," he said, "there is a sense that this ordinance is something we have to do."

The proposed ordinance has been in front of the council last October, on February 7, March 14, and last Thursday, April 4.

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