Showing posts with label solar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solar. Show all posts

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Maplegate Solar South - Site Plan - Planning Board - Aug 21 at 7:05 PM

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing at the Town Hall (and can also be attended remotely) on Monday, August 212023 at 7:05 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Site Plan application titled “Proposed Site Plan Documents” prepared by Bohler Engineering, Southborough, MA., and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development on July 21, 2023, by Maple Street Solar, LLC, Boston, MA.

The property is located in the Industrial Zoning District and includes the southern lots on the Assessors Map 239, Lot 10. Map 254 Lot 009 and Map 255 Lot 001 with access through Bellingham. The applicant is proposing to construct a solar array.

Please note: This will be your only written notice of this public hearing. Should the Planning Board vote to continue this Public Hearing, the date and time will be posted on the Planning Board’s website under Agendas.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Greg Rondeau, 
Chairman


Maplegate Solar South - Site Plan - Planning Board - Aug 21 at 7:05 PM
Maplegate Solar South - Site Plan - Planning Board - Aug 21 at 7:05 PM

Monday, April 17, 2023

Maplegate Solar North / 160 Maple Street - Site Plan - Planning Board

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing at the Town Hall (and can also be attended remotely) on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:05 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Site Plan application titled “Proposed Site Plan Documents” prepared by Bohler Engineering, Southborough, MA., and submitted to the Department of Planning & Community Development on April 13, 2023, by Nextgrid Mescalbean, LLC, San Francisco, CA.

The property is located in the Industrial Zoning District and includes the northern lots on the Assessors Map 239, Lot 10. Map 254 Lot 009 and Map 255 Lot 001 with access through Bellingham. The applicant is proposing to construct a solar array.

Please note: This will be your only written notice of this public hearing. Should the Planning Board vote to continue this Public Hearing, the date and time will be posted on the Planning Board’s website under Agendas.

Please contact the Department of Planning & Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning & Community Development during regular office hours.

Greg Rondeau, Chairman

MStMaryAbbey_Solar1
Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm under construction in 2013 - what will this proposal bring?

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday, June 3, 7:00 PM

The  Greater Franklin Node of  350 Massachusetts will meet this week,  Thursday, June 3rd, at 7:00 pm.  Here is the Zoom link: 

Zoom link for the meeting, June 3, 7:00 PM
Join on Zoom.
Password: 350ma 
Audio by phone: +1 646 876 9923  
 
Residents of Franklin and nearby cities and towns are welcome to attend.
 
Meeting Agenda: We will discuss climate-related developments nationally, statewide, and locally. We will describe 350 Mass' campaigns to convert to clean, renewable energy sources in our homes, on the roads, and throughout the power grid. We will learn about the not-for-profit corporation ISO New England that is charged with managing electricity across the 6-state region; and hear about calls to change this entity so it does more to promote wind and solar power. 
 
We will continue our conversation about engaging our region in climate activism: working with residents and like-minded organizations, and advocating for actions and programs by our municipalities, including Franklin. Please join us to learn and contribute.    
 
350 Massachusetts for a Better Future ( https://350mass.betterfutureproject.org/ ) is building a powerful statewide social movement to confront the climate crisis, hold our politicians accountable and undermine the destructive influence of the fossil fuel industry. Our name comes from 350 parts per million, the safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. 
 
350 Mass is made up of several local volunteer-led chapters we call "nodes" around the state that carry out both municipal-level and statewide campaigns, coordinated by a Statewide Steering Team (SST). The Greater Franklin Node includes Franklin and close to twenty nearby communities. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, at 7:00 PM.
 
For questions and information, contact the node co-coordinators,  carolyncbarthel@gmail.com and/or  ralph.halpern@comcast.net.
 
 
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday, June 3, 7:00 PM
350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday, June 3, 7:00 PM
 

Friday, May 14, 2021

What do housing choice and brownfields have in common?

There not a real direct link but now that I have your attention, there are two things to be aware of:
 
1 - MHP (@mhphousing) tweeted on Wed, May 12, 2021:
 
In this episode of The Rewatchables, listen from 11 to 29 min. when @MAPCMetroBoston Eric Hove goes over key features of #HousingChoice & multifamily near transit requirement. Detailed look at new laws & what needs ironing out. https://t.co/EK2FwgmAJ4 @massmunicipal @MassEOHED





2 - MAPC (@MAPCMetroBoston) tweeted on Thu, May 13, 2021:
 
Join MAPC & @GroundworkUSA for a workshop on repurposing brownfields sites with solar energy installations!

You'll hear about models for B2B projects that advance equity & community benefits, & learn about a new tool to ID potential sites.

Register: https://t.co/ySZTyOS5ax  or here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvcu6vqzIrHtUEDaOjJ16fekHd77_S4Wru

 

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MAPCMetroBoston/status/1392877668631187462
 
workshop on repurposing brownfields sites
workshop on repurposing brownfields sites



Thursday, December 10, 2020

CommonWealth Magazine: "Confusion over tax status stymies solar projects"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

Franklin just recently made an agreement on a solar farm off Spring St, and also changed the bylaws to limit further large scale solar farms.

"AN OUTDATED LAW and a series of rulings by an obscure tax board are throwing the state’s landscape for solar projects into disarray.

The question revolves around whether commercial solar projects should be exempt from paying municipal property taxes. The lack of clarity is threatening to take revenue away from municipal budgets – and stymy the progress of the solar industry, by making some municipal officials hesitant to cut deals with solar developers.

“It’s a confusing landscape, and that’s created a lot of uncertainty for the companies, and there are a lot of questions about how we can get this resolved,” said David Gahl, senior director of northeast state affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association, a national lobbying group for the solar industry.

Massachusetts legislators are considering passing a law – the subject of lengthy negotiations between municipal officials and solar developers – that would eliminate property tax exemptions to large solar developers. The proposal is in a legislative conference committee that is considering a broader climate change bill.

......

Rep. Jeffrey Roy, a Franklin Democrat, and Sen. Michael Rodrigues, a Westport Democrat, both introduced legislation that would clarify the tax status of solar arrays by limiting the property tax exemption to smaller solar arrays – generally those that produce enough power for the property they are located on. Roy’s language is included in the House version of a climate change bill that is in conference committee.  

Roy’s amendment, which could be changed by the conference committee, would exempt from property taxes only residential solar projects that produce no more than 125 percent of the energy needed to power the property where they are located. (Rodrigues’s proposal would also include commercial solar projects, but it similarly caps eligibility to smaller projects that power their own or an adjacent property.) “It’s just taking it back to what the original legislation was intended to do, to help homeowners power their homes using solar energy,” Roy said.
 
Continue reading the article online

Related posts
 

solar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013

 

Saturday, August 29, 2020

"Talk Franklin": Town of Franklin End of Summer Updates

FM #338 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 338 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 
  • Re-opening
Weekly numbers, need to maintain focus on social distancing, face coverings, etc.
  • Market study
EDC meeting sort of/unofficial
Listening sessions scheduled

Nexamp solar farm info sessions - replay available
Municipal aggregation starts Nov 1
  • FY 2021 Budget
Being mindful as FY 21 gets underway
Likely November budget discussion before tax rate hearing in December
  • Elections
Sep primary, Absentee, mail, early voting; 
November election; Ballot questions; Community Preservation Act

The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.




--------------
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 
 
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Talk Franklin: A new episode is available
Talk Franklin: A new episode is available


Friday, August 28, 2020

Nexamp solar presentation available for replay

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted at 11:01 AM on Thu, Aug 27, 2020:
Did you miss the NEXAMP Community Solar presentation?  Find it here https://t.co/0gmRTlSheW

Video link = https://youtu.be/Jnqi1ExZtSs


The post sharing the information in advance of the session

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Nexamp Shared Solar Farm Information Sessions Scheduled - Aug 25, Aug 26

Franklin residents,

Please find an informational letter regarding a shared community solar farm attached here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/nexamp_signed_letter.pdf


"We're excited to let you know that residents of the Town of Franklin are eligible to subscribe to a new local shared community solar farm that is being built by Nexamp and going live in Summer 2021. Nexamp will be hosting online information sessions on August 25th and August 26th for all Franklin residents to learn more about how you can tap into these solar farms to reduce your electric bill.

The solar farm, located on Spring Street in Franklin, will add more than a 6.3 MW of renewable energy to National Grid's electricity grid, or enough electricity to power more than 800 homes. This community solar farm falls under Massachusetts' community solar program, which allows residents to subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and go solar without rooftop panels.

Subscribers receive credits on their National Grid electric bill for the energy produced by their solar farm share. Nexamp normally provides these credits at a 12.5% discount but, through a special agreement with the Town of Franklin, Nexamp is offering a special discount rate of 15% to Franklin residents, meaning subscribers can save even more on their annual electricity costs.

There's no upfront cost and no long-term commitment - you can cancel your community solar share with no penalties.
Nexamp and Franklin have worked together to ensure that a portion of the farm has been reserved for Franklin residents. Openings are on a first-come, first-served basis until October 15th. To learn more or to subscribe right now, please visit solar.nexamp.com/Franklin or call Nexamp at 800-945-5124.

You can also join Nexamp at one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about the program and the special offer for Franklin residents. Each session runs for about 30 minutes and includes a program overview followed by a time of interactive Q&A.

Tues, August 25 7:00 PM  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84925478387

Weds, August 26 1:00  PM  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85976472137

You can quickly and easily register for either session by visiting the links above. having you join us."

-----------

Note: Franklin residents will also get the benefits of Municipal Aggregation this fall and only need to opt out of the agreement if they already have a solar or other private supply agreement.

The deal for Municipal aggregation was confirmed at the February 12, 2020 Town Council meeting. 


olar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013
solar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013
 

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

In the News: new solar farm coming; beer distribution deal not moving at State House

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town’s fifth solar farm is projected to go live next summer. 

A 6-megawatt solar farm on Spring Street operated by Nexamp will produce enough energy to power 800 Franklin households and could potentially cut about $180 a year from the average Franklin resident’s electricity bill, said Town Administrator Jaime Hellen.  
“The big factor is that this is an opportunity for people to assess the amount of energy they’re using day to day,” said Hellen. He said if the average household pays $100 a month on electricity, it could potentially save about $15 a month, which equals to about $180 per year. 

Subscribers to the solar farm will receive credits on their National Grid electric bill for the energy produced by their solar farm share. Through an agreement with the town, Hellen said Nexamp is providing those credits at a 15% discount rate to Franklin residents. "
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200804/franklin-plans-fifth-solar-farm-which-could-power-800-homes?rssfeed=true 

Note: Franklin residents will also get the benefits of Municipal Aggregation this fall and only need to opt out of the agreement if they already have a solar or other private supply agreement.

The deal for Municipal aggregation was confirmed at the February 12, 2020 Town Council meeting. 

Beer distribution deal not moving
"It seemed like a slam-dunk. 

After years of bitter fighting, craft brewers and beer wholesalers came together at the end of July to announce that they had struck a deal that would allow smaller breweries to more easily end their relationship with a distributor if they felt their brand wasn’t being properly marketed. 

The sticking point for a decade — how small must a brewery be to be covered by the change — was resolved by setting the threshold at 250,000 barrels. The limit covered every brewery in Massachusetts except Boston Beer Company, brewer of Sam Adams. 

Everyone was happy, or so it seemed. The agreement was announced over a weekend, and on July 23 the Senate voted unanimously to accept the deal and send the bill to the House. And it hasn’t advanced since. "
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Friday, July 24, 2020

Nexamp Shared Solar Farm Information Session Scheduled

Franklin residents,

Please find an informational letter regarding a shared community solar farm attached here: 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/nexamp_signed_letter.pdf

"We're excited to let you know that residents of the Town of Franklin are eligible to subscribe to a new local shared community solar farm that is being built by Nexamp and going live in Summer 2021. Nexamp will be hosting online information sessions on August 25th and August 26th for all Franklin residents to learn more about how you can tap into these solar farms to reduce your electric bill.

The solar farm, located on Spring Street in Franklin, will add more than a 6.3 MW of renewable energy to National Grid's electricity grid, or enough electricity to power more than 800 homes. This community solar farm falls under Massachusetts' community solar program, which allows residents to subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and go solar without rooftop panels.

Subscribers receive credits on their National Grid electric bill for the energy produced by their solar farm share. Nexamp normally provides these credits at a 12.5% discount but, through a special agreement with the Town of Franklin, Nexamp is offering a special discount rate of 15% to Franklin residents, meaning subscribers can save even more on their annual electricity costs.

There's no upfront cost and no long-term commitment - you can cancel your community solar share with no penalties.
Nexamp and Franklin have worked together to ensure that a portion of the farm has been reserved for Franklin residents. Openings are on a first-come, first-served basis until October 15th. To learn more or to subscribe right now, please visit solar.nexamp.com/Franklin or call Nexamp at 800-945-5124.

You can also join Nexamp at one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about the program and the special offer for Franklin residents. Each session runs for about 30 minutes and includes a program overview followed by a time of interactive Q&A.

Tuesday, August 25 7:00 pm  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84925478387

Wednesday, August 26 1:00 pm  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85976472137

You can quickly and easily register for either session by visiting the links above. having you join us."

solar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013

Monday, July 13, 2020

"solar projects accounted for a quarter of all development of natural lands"

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest to Franklin:

"Massachusetts has been a national leader in solar power and now boasts more of the renewable energy than most other states. But it has come at a cost to forests and woodlands, and environmental advocates — not a group ordinarily prone to voicing doubts about renewable sources — say misguided state incentives have encouraged building solar farms on undeveloped land. 
Now, with the coronavirus already causing major job losses and great uncertainty in the solar industry, state officials are planning to issue new rules that will sharply limit where solar farms can be built. 
“We need to minimize the loss of these valuable natural assets to all forms of development,” said Heidi Ricci, an author of a Mass Audubon report this year that called for the protection of natural land. “We need this natural land to absorb the rain and clean our water, as storms become more intense from climate change.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/12/metro/woods-give-way-solar-farms-state-issue-controversial-rules-that-could-harm-solar-industry/

Franklin is ahead of this change as there was a bylaw change earlier this year to restrict large solar farms while keeping smaller residential units.

1st reading - Feb 12, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-legislation-for-action_12.html

2nd reading - Mar 4, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

EDC meeting - Feb 5, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-202-economic-development.html

from the archives, the solar farm installation at St Mary's Abbey in Franklin
from the archives, the solar farm installation at St Mary's Abbey in Franklin



Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 12, 2020

Present: Chandler, Pellegri, Dellorco, Mercer, Jones, Kelly, Earls, Bissanti
Absent: Hamblen


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

Dale Kurtz, reminder for veterans to self identify for the Town Census now and the Federal Census later this year

Teresa Burr, reminder on the last day to register to vote for Presidential Primary is today through midnight online ma.gov or the Clerk's office through 8:00 PM

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- None

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Firefighter/Paramedic: Michael McConaghy

As of March 1, ISO rating increases to Class 2, an upgrade in rating
should help with insurance
less than 2,000 departments across the country in this class, only 7 in MA are Class 1


5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

2 minute recess

meeting resumes

6. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
Zoning Changes:
20-849: Changes to Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations and Use Regulations Schedule Updates
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-849_hearing.pdf


20-850: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-850_hearing.pdf


20-851: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Oak Street and Dailey Drive
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-851_hearing.pdf

open hearings but holding discussion until later in the meeting


7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled


Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Jan 8, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building - 355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor Training Room 
Franklin, MA
January 8, 2020 = 5:30 PM


Announcements:
This meeting may be recorded by audio or video.

Discussion:
1. Zoning Amendment proposal:
a. Ground Mounted Solar Bylaw Amendments in residential Zoning Districts;
b. A house cleaning items in Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) district; and .
c. A housecleaning item in Accessory uses for Agricultural with Poultry to comply with zoning setbacks.

2. Lot line Clean up #1: Areas near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets.

3. Lot Line Clean up #2: Areas near Oak Street and Daily Drive.

The full agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/20200103133120366.pdf

MountStMary_Solar2
The solar farm being installed at Mount Saint Mary's in 2013

Thursday, February 14, 2019

In the News: opioid deaths down 4% in MA; another solar system in planning for Franklin

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Opioid deaths down 4% from prior year
"Deaths from opioid-related overdoses declined in 2018 for the second consecutive year, according to state figures released Wednesday that officials said showed signs of progress in the fight against an epidemic that took nearly 2,000 lives last year. 
Total confirmed and estimated opioid-related deaths dropped from 2,056 in 2017 to 1,974 in 2018, or about 4 percent. From 2016 to 2017, the figure decreased 2 percent. 
The death rate is still significantly higher than it was before it began climbing rapidly at the start of the decade, but state officials said two straight years of decreases should be seen as evidence that efforts to support treatment programs, to improve access to the overdose-reversing drug naloxone, or Narcan, and to raise awareness about the risks of addiction are working. 
“When you look from 2016 to now, we are making progress,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said Wednesday after a meeting of the Public Health Council. “We are making progress and fighting this devastating opioid epidemic. We’ve seen a 6 percent decrease, we know the efforts we have in place are beginning to work, and importantly, to me, from a public health point of view, we have to continue our sustained work to bring those deaths down further.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190213/mass-opioid-deaths-total-nearly-2000-in-18

SAFE Coalition - local support for substance abuse
SAFE Coalition - local support for substance abuse

Another solar system in planning for Franklin
"A California company is proposing a 2-megawatt, ground-mounted solar array that would occupy 15 acres off Summer Street. 
A public hearing to discuss the proposal from Santa Monica, California-based Cypress Creek Renewables is planned for 7:20 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Franklin Municipal Building’s Town Council Chambers. 
The town has teo existing arrays - on Union Street and at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School - and three others in the proposal stage. 
Nicolas Galletout, project developer at the company, doing business as Simi Solar, LLC, is continuing to expand to the East Coast, with specific attention to Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190214/another-solar-array-proposed-for-franklin

the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey as it was being installed in Aug 2013
the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey as it was being installed in Aug 2013

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

"a free solar system for a local nonprofit organization"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"This is the time of year when the Santa Foundation is giving presents - last Tuesday, its office was full of wrapped gifts ready for distribution to needy families in town. 
That day, though, the local charity received a gift of its own: a 5.4-kilowatt solar array on the roof of its Joy Street headquarters. 
The donation - made by Ashland firm SolarFlair Energy - was the result of the successful completion of the Franklin Solar Challenge campaign in 2015. The challenge, based on the state's Solarize Massachusetts program, offered increasing tiers of savings for residents who agree to put solar systems on their properties. SolarFlair administered that campaign."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161219/franklin-local-charity-receives-solar-system

new solar system installed at Santa Foundation as a result of the successful Solar Challenge held in Franklin
new solar system installed at Santa Foundation as a result of the successful Solar Challenge held in Franklin

For the background on the Franklin Solar Challenge
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-solar-challenge-reached-tier-4.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/the-franklin-solar-challenge-can-help.html


Tuesday, October 11, 2016

"consider more stringent regulations for the panels"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town may consider stricter zoning requirements for solar panels after a local resident brought his concerns to the Town Council. 
Resident Michael Swetz raised the matter during the public comment segment of a recent council meeting, saying he was motivated by a possible 40-panel solar installation on Prospect Street. 
According to Swetz, current laws regard the panels as benign, and do not impose much in the way of regulations on them. 
"Under the zoning ordinance, they're an auxiliary building," he said. "Right now, ground-based solar panels can be put in your backyard like a garden shed, with no screening requirements or safety requirements."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161010/franklin-may-consider-harsher-solar-rules

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html


The statement by Michael Swetz during the Citizens Comment portion of the Town Council meeting on Oct 5 can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html


Thursday, October 6, 2016

Present permitting for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System installations are issued under zoning guidelines for garden sheds?

A copy of the Citizens Comment made to the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct 5 was obtained after the meeting and shared here:


Dear Council Members and Officials,

Solar Photovoltaic Systems and other sustainability based energy solution are key components of our future. However, their installation and placement needs to be carefully managed for safety and the community characteristics Franklin offers its residents.

Present permitting for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System installations are issued under zoning guidelines for garden sheds? This according to my conversations with Building Commissioner- Lloyd Brown, when discussing a 40-Solar Panel Ground Mounted installation at 42 Prospect Street. The installation is on the side lot of 42 Prospect Street, Franklin's first designated scenic road, the lot borders my property. Under the garden shed guidelines no screening from the road is required nor protective fencing is necessary for safety to shield children and others from accessing the energized electrical components.
completed installation
completed installation

The 40-Solar Panel Ground Mounted installation at 42 Prospect Street was complete weeks ago and signed-off by the inspections and building department. Now all of a sudden the panels were removed, stacked neatly and modifications are being made? Possibly to add more panels? I have contacted the inspections and building department who indicated no work should be taking place but the work continues?

left: rework underway; right: before installation
left: rework underway; right: before installation

I urge the council, zoning board and town officials to consider specific zoning and permitting guidelines for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems that include; Solar panel quantity limitations, screening and setback requirements from roads and adjoining properties along with safety measures to protect children and others from accessing the electrified components.

I also encourage each of you to visit the 42 Prospect Street installation to understand the full impact undefined Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems permitting guidelines are having on our community.

Sincerely,

Michael Swetz

Monday, May 9, 2016

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Consumer Alert on Solar Panels



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Issues Consumer Alert on Solar Panels

With many Massachusetts homeowners looking to go green by installing solar roof panels on their homes, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell has put up the yellow caution flag. O'Donnell is advising those who are interested in having solar panels installed on their roofs to make sure that there are no legal or financial entanglements when it comes to selling or borrowing against their homes once they sign a contract with the solar panel company.

"Consumer advocates are becoming increasingly aware," noted O'Donnell, "that some people are having difficulty obtaining equity loans or reverse mortgages if they have leased solar panels and equipment. Furthermore, Federal Housing Administration regulations may prohibit the FHA from approving a homeowner's loan."

Register O'Donnell further stated, "While we all support clean energy and the reduced usage of fossil fuels, consumers need to understand the potential title and financial risks of installing solar panels on their homes. Because the solar panels and equipment are being leased, and the contract signed is a multi-year one, homeowners are finding they cannot sell their home unless the solar company approves the new buyer. If the buyer is not approved by the solar company, the owner is faced with purchasing the solar panels and equipment before they can sell their home. This could cost consumers up to $20,000.

"Like other Registries, we are seeing a surge in the filing of UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements when it comes to solar panel and equipment contracts. This is a legal form that a creditor files with the Registry of Deeds to give notice that it has or may have an interest in the personal property of the debtor.

"My office recommends that a homeowner check out the Massachusetts Attorney General's website by clicking on Advise to Homeowners Considering Solar Panel Installations at http://www.mass.gov/ago/news-and-updates/press-releases/2016/advice-to-homeowners-considering-solar-panels.html. If the homeowner, after reviewing the site, wants to pursue the lease (some go as long as 20 years), I urge them to have a licensed attorney review the contract to ensure that they understand all the implications of installing solar panels."

Norfolk County homeowners who have already had solar panels installed on their homes should contact the Registry's Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 to find out if a UCC Financing Statement has been filed by a solar company against their home. Please note UCC Financing Statements do not require the signature of the homeowners for the document to be recorded.

Concluding his remarks, Register O'Donnell stated, "I want to first express my appreciation for the groundbreaking work done on this subject by my colleague Essex County South Register of Deeds John O'Brien and Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. My goal in issuing this consumer alert is not to alarm Norfolk County homeowners, but to inform them. After all, your home is your most important asset."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
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AG consumer tips on solar panels
AG consumer tips on solar panels