Pepperell Planning Board continues Bemis Road solar hearing to July amid technical questions

PEPPERELL — June 3, 2024 — Pepperell Planning Board continues public hearing on proposed five-megawatt Bemis Road solar array to July 15. The board heard an opening presentation from Daniel Server, director of development for NextGrid, Inc., doing business as Wax Myrtle Solar, LLC, on a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage system proposed for approximately 33 acres of a 47-acre parcel at 40 Bemis Road, with the applicant also offering to donate roughly 13 acres to a local conservation trust as permanent open space near the Bemis Road drinking water wellhead. Peer reviewer Tighe & Bond broadly endorsed the stormwater design, which features three infiltration basins and riprap-lined perimeter swales, though the board flagged unresolved questions about battery storage safety plans, soil test pit data, tree fall risk on donated land, and the seven-foot fence height under local bylaws. A representative of the conservation trust told the board "the proposed solar project is more beneficial to the community than the 21-house subdivision for which the land is approved." The board also continued a minor site plan review for the T Cafe restaurant at 112-114 Main Street to June 17, pending answers on a parking lot access easement and field striping.