Mount Holly Planning Commission Advisory Council - Meeting #4

Mount Holly Planning Commission Advisory Council - Meeting #4

Topic: Energy April 11, 2016

Present: Ted Crawford, Sue Crawford, Marcy Tanger, Andy Tanger,

Jeff Teter, Pat Teter, Peter Smith, Minga Dana, Candace Neary,

Annette Lynch, Robin DeCormier, Don Richardson, Philippe Crane,

Katharine Crane, JoAnn Crowley, Carol Ballou, Ruth Dickey, Greg

Durgin, Pamela Myers, Kathy Leber, Abe Leber, Rhonda Rivers.

Council: Ed Bove, Alyson Blodgett, Don Eatmon, Peter Berger, Tom

Veysey.

Meeting began at 6:05 PM

Ed Bove started the meeting, introduced the committee, and

reviewed the purpose of the Town Plan, with its focus on Land Use

and Economic Development.

Discussion began on the issue of clarity in the Town Plan. Is

there clarity or vision when it comes to renewable energy types,

locations, size, effect on those living in close proximity? To

gain maximum input before the PSB, towns must have plans that are

clear and concise defining where development may or may not take

place. It is important to identify areas for development (energy

or otherwise) and protected areas where no development can take

place.

Does size or usage determine whether energy development is

commercial ? Discussion followed comparing community solar

projects, residential solar panels, and commercial solar arrays.

The consensus was that the Town should not ban all commercial

energy development. Commercial energy projects should be limited

to appropriate locations in the Town. The majority present agreed

that energy generated in our Town should benefit Vermont. The

new Town Plan should be drafted with sufficient clarity and

specificity to ensure that the PSB gives Mount Holly as much

deference as possible in siting future energy development in our

Town.

Meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM