We find plenty of reason but not much rhyme in the manner in which two separate solar array projects are moving through the Island’s permitting pipeline. The Martha’s Vineyard Commission (MVC) will review one project as a development of regional impact (DRI). The other will receive no regional look.
Boston-based BlueWave Capital, acting on behalf of the Oak Bluffs Water District, plans to erect a four-acre solar energy system on a 20.5-acre clearing it will construct within a 45-acre wooded parcel on the west side of Barnes Road, bounded by Goodale’s pit and the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest. The projected cost is $6 million.
Steve Bernier, owner of Cronig’s Markets, plans to install an array of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that will include roof panels and vehicle canopies at his State Road West Tisbury property, which includes Up-Island Cronig’s and a nearby retail building that houses the West Tisbury Post Office. He estimates the project will cost him close to $2 million, and pay for itself within 11 years.
The current DRI checklist encompasses 18 pages and approximately 75 triggers under which a project may be subject to review by the Island’s powerful regional permitting and planning agency. The list includes any solar project of more than 50,000 square feet.
Oak Bluffs building inspector Mark Barbadoro referred the Oak Bluffs Water District project to the MVC when it hit that mark. The MVC had the option to review it as a DRI, or kick it back to the town under what is known as a concurrence review. The Oak Bluffs Planning Board argued that local review was sufficient.
The MVC voted 12-3 to review the project as a DRI. It based its notion of regional impact on the fact that the parcel abuts land owned by Oak Bluffs and Edgartown as well as the State Forest, and is within a groundwater protection district of critical planning concern. Also, it will be visible along a short section of Barnes Road and from the bike path.
One could argue that the most significant regional impact of this project will be on the deer. But given the location and size of this project, it merits review, and the MVC, when the members are willing to exercise self-discipline, has shown it has the ability to move expeditiously.
Although considerably smaller in size at 6,000 square feet, the Cronig’s project will alter the look of West Tisbury’s commercial business district and be visible to everyone who travels by on State Road and enters the market parking lot. The visual impact is obvious.
There will be one bank of canopy solar panels in the market’s parking lot, and one smaller canopy over the store’s front porch. Solar panels will also be installed on the roofs of the market and the front of the Post Office building.
At their meeting on Feb. 3, West Tisbury selectmen heard from Mr. Bernier, an astute businessman, who described the environmental benefits of his project. West Tisbury selectmen, who appear to have been caught by surprise by the project, have generally applauded the environmental effort but have concerns.
“All I can say is, I think it will look like hell,” selectman Jeffrey “Skipper” Manter said.
Selectman Richard Knabel has been careful to pay homage to Mr. Bernier and the environmental benefits of solar projects, but his disquietude has been obvious.
Mr. Knabel called the aesthetics “jarring” when selectmen briefly discussed the project last month.
Mr. Bernier, who prides himself on customer service and can often be seen sweeping the market parking lot in the morning, told selectmen on Feb. 3 that customers in Vineyard Haven love having the canopies for the protection they afford from the sun and rain.Referencing up-Island sensibilities, Mr. Knabel said, “I can’t say I feel as strongly as Skipper does, but I think the aesthetic impact up-Island is more of a concern.”
Selectman Cynthia Mitchell said she supported the value of solar energy and the example that it sets. “I applaud what you’re doing,” she said.
We too applaud efforts to create a cleaner environment. But that does not remove the obvious regional impact of a major construction project at a market complex that serves the entire up-Island region and which would benefit from wider public review.
West Tisbury selectmen have the option, if they choose to take it, to send this project to the MVC as a discretionary referral.
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