ATHOL – A decision on two proposed solar array projects with wetlands delineation filings for properties located at 590 Secret Lake Rd., and at Route 2 and Lyons Hill Road was continued to June 25 by the Conservation Commission Tuesday night. Wetlands specialist Ward Smith asked for a continuance for both because he had just received the revised plans and hadn’t yet been onsite to review them. The locations are proposed by Hurlburth Solar, LLC and Lyons Hill Solar, LLC for 128 acres of land split between two adjacent parcels near 160 Mystery Lane and 94 acres of land near 884 Petersham Rd.
The visual impact of the solar arrays has been a major concern of abutters to the projects.
Bill Hogan of Secret Lake Road questioned the validity of a second signature different from another one on paperwork submitted by Cypress Creek Renewables, the company behind the two projects. Smith said he will look for verification that the second signature is authorized.
Edward Berry, land surveyor for the subdivision off Jeanne Drive and Petersham Road comprised of 14 residential building lots, provided an update on an original proposal that included two detention basins. The revision adds two grass infiltration swales (shallow trenches) to manage water runoff.
Wendy’s at North Quabbin Commons was granted a Certificate of Compliance at the restaurant’s request. According to commission member J.R. Greene, Wendy’s was given an order of conditions to build retention basins, which they completed within the three year deadline.
A public hearing was held for a Request for Determination of Applicability submitted by the Department of Public Works for 1271 Templeton Rd., utility extension and connections, for water and sewer located in Route 2A, from the intersection of Market Drive, 650 feet south to proposed future development, in accordance with the Wetlands Protection Act. Mark Wixted, project manager for Bohler Engineering, showed plans for the project saying he expects it to go “very quickly.” No public comments were made and the commission voted to issue a Determination of Applicability.
The commission also voted to issue a Determination of Applicability for a RDA submitted by Virginia Realty, Inc. of Winchendon to build a single-family home and septic system on Jeanne Drive in accordance with the Wetlands Protection Act.
The next Conservation Commission meeting is scheduled for June 25 at 6 p.m. at Liberty Hall in Athol Town Hall.