The Kingston Planning Board convened to review a significant renewable energy proposal from Bishop's Highway Solar LLC, targeting a 275-acre property spanning the Plympton and Kingston line. Chairman Thomas Bouchard opened the meeting by noting that with four members present, we will conduct a meeting with those four people to address the site plan. Zachary Farcus, representing the applicant, detailed the plan to install a five-megawatt solar array across approximately 22 acres. Farcus highlighted a shift in design standards, noting that the industry's kind of moved toward this agricultural fence to replace traditional chain-link options for better aesthetics and wildlife passage. While much of the site was previously impacted by gravel mining, the project requires clearing 8.5 acres of white pine forest.

Board members scrutinized the environmental impact and local zoning protections. Alexander Graham questioned the forest's density, asking, How dense is the area that is? Is it tree to tree or is it kind of spread out? In response to concerns about wildlife, Town Planner Valerie Massard noted that although the site is not officially designated as protected habitat, the applicant agreed to sweep look for box turtles because it used to be box turtle habitat. Robert Ketter sought clarification on state environmental comments, while Massard explained that the town’s one-acre clearing limit did not apply in this instance because the way our zoning bylaw is written, it doesn't prevent large-scale solar from appearing elsewhere in town.

Public testimony brought forward concerns regarding visibility and safety. Resident Cynthia Carter asked for visual clarity, inquiring if there was any way we could get a copy of the pictures that you have of the solar to understand the project's profile from her property. Philip Wade questioned the proximity to local water bodies, asking, What is the distance from the perimeter of the project to the pond? Jimmy Powell of the Jones River Watershed Association raised alarms about potential earth removal, urging the board to make provisions for regular inspections of the site to make sure some of that sand that is getting stockpiled doesn't go missing. Additionally, neighbor Adam Toledo questioned the risks of the on-site battery storage, asking, Is that like a fire hazard for the surrounding? Farcus clarified the units include self-contained fire suppression and would be moved west to increase the buffer from local wells.

Despite the expressed reservations, board members acknowledged the project met all existing legal criteria. Jonathan Barnett noted that we are obligated to move on something that passes and meets all the zoning requirements. Motion Made by Jonathan Barnett to approve the site plan, site alteration permit, and storm water management with the conditions as presented and discussed. The motion was seconded by Robert Ketter. Motion Passed 4-0. In final business, the board discussed a coastal resiliency grant for the harbor master's office and a potential cleanup grant for the old fire station on Maple Street. The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 PM.