The solar project, spearheaded by Solar Landscape LLC, sought to amend previously approved plans by constructing solar carport canopies, reducing the number of panels from 6,171 to 4,257 while still generating approximately 3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year—enough to power about 350 homes. The applicant emphasized the project’s alignment with community solar energy programs aimed at benefiting low- and moderate-income households.

A critical aspect of the application involved addressing a new front yard setback variance requirement due to the proposed reconfiguration, as the carports would be set back only 10 feet from Main Street, compared to the typically required 60 feet. The applicant planned to mitigate this with landscape buffering to soften the visual impact along the street, a plan that the board reviewed extensively.

Concerns about the potential environmental risks of the solar panels were a focal point of the discussions. The applicant clarified that the panels are silicon-based, which are considered non-toxic, as opposed to cadmium-based panels, which are more rarely used due to their potential toxicity. The representative assured the board that the panels are primarily composed of metal and silicon, with no hazardous liquids that could contaminate the soil in the event of damage. The applicant also outlined maintenance and monitoring procedures to ensure safety and environmental compliance.

Safety questions extended to the high-voltage equipment associated with the solar panels, including transformers and inverters. The representatives confirmed that all equipment would be securely enclosed to prevent unauthorized access and comply with safety standards, with energy generated from the panels directed back into the local power grid rather than used by the church itself.

In addressing logistical concerns, the applicant’s engineer provided detailed renderings and explained the changes from previous plans, highlighting the elimination of a rear yard setback variance by pulling back the carports from the property line. The engineer affirmed that the minimum clearance of the canopies would be 14 feet, meeting international fire code requirements and allowing emergency vehicle circulation beneath the structures.

Stormwater management was another issue addressed, with assurances that the solar carports would not negatively impact existing systems, as a gutter system would be implemented to direct runoff into existing drainage infrastructure. Lighting concerns were also tackled, with plans to replace existing light poles with LED fixtures under the carports to maintain consistent illumination across parking areas.

The financial arrangements of the project were also discussed, revealing a leasing agreement between the solar company and the church, granting the company use of the parking lot for 20 years, with options for two 10-year extensions. The applicant confirmed a commitment to restoring the property to its original condition at the end of the lease.

Following an extensive review, the board voted to approve the application, with one member dissenting. The resolution to formalize the approval will be drafted for the next meeting.

In other business, the board approved an application for a variance concerning the height of Salvatore Rento’s garage on Adam Boulevard, allowing construction to resume after height discrepancies were clarified. The meeting concluded with routine matters, including the acceptance of minutes from the previous meeting and scheduling the next meeting for January 28, 2026, at 7:30 PM.