Matt Connors of Weston & Sampson, left, and Zachary Schrowang of Syncarpha Capital present details Tuesday evening of a proposed solar project along Route 4 in Livermore. The public hearing was held at the Community Center to accommodate the number of people attending. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal
LIVERMORE — Residents expressed differing opinions at Tuesday night’s public hearing an a proposed solar project along Route 4, some calling it an “eyesore” while others argued landowners have the right to develop their property.
Due to the crowd size, the Livermore Select Board held the hearing at the Community Center instead of the Town Office.
The proposed development by Weston & Sampson in partnership with Syncarpha Capital would use 16 to 19 acres of an 85-acre lot.
Zachary Schrowang, senior director of development at Syncarpha Capital, and Matt Connors of Weston & Sampson presented the details. Schrowang said the project is part of the state’s push for energy independence. Connors outlined the site’s location and assured residents that a buffer of 450 to 500 feet would minimize visibility.
Concerns were raised about aesthetics, property values, and environmental impact. Some residents opposed the project, calling the solar panels an “eyesore,” while others argued that landowners have the right to develop their property.
Selectman Joshua Perkins, an abutter to the site, acknowledged he didn’t like the view but called it the “best-case scenario” given the town’s lack of a land use ordinance.
Questions about long-term effects, emergency access and decommissioning were addressed.
Schrowang said in the years they have been doing this there have not been any issues.
Connors said 30 years ago there were chemicals used. The project includes a decommissioning bond with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
The Planning Board is drafting an ordinance to regulate future solar projects.
Vice Chairperson Brett Deyling encouraged residents to participate in upcoming meetings.
“The Planning Board has proposed a moratorium,” Deyling said. “We want to see you there. We have meetings, and this is what the Planning Board is for.”
The meeting was moderated by Tim Walton of Livermore.
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