The solar project at the Cape Cod Country Club was at the forefront of the meeting as community members and board representatives debated its potential environmental and social impact. Concerns were raised about the project’s effect on property values, neighborhood integrity, and the historical significance of the site. Residents expressed fears about the visual appearance of the solar panels, which could resemble an industrial site. The logistics involved, including the movement of approximately 5,000 truckloads of soil and the installation of fencing, added to the community’s apprehension.

A letter of objection highlighted several zoning violations, such as a setback infringement, stating that the proposed structure is located just four inches from a neighboring property line. Neighbors argued that permitting the structure as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) would create a third dwelling unit on a property zoned for single-family use, contravening local zoning bylaws. The letter stressed that the structure failed to meet design standards and raised concerns about over-occupancy and the potential impact on neighborhood character and public safety.

The discussion included testimonies from residents who stressed the need for better land stewardship and highlighted environmental concerns, emphasizing the significance of the trees on the property as carbon sinks. Concerns about the disposal of solar panels and the potential long-term implications of the project were also discussed. Residents urged the planning board to consider the historical and cultural importance of the land, citing examples of similar projects in other regions that had faced challenges related to safety hazards and financial burdens.

In response to community concerns, a representative for the solar project emphasized that the proposal had been discussed publicly over several years and was previously supported by a town meeting. The representative sought to clarify misinformation regarding the project, noting that a decommissioning agreement would ensure a bond was in place for the disposal of solar panels, thereby absolving the town of financial responsibility. The project was also touted as reducing nitrogen runoff and creating permanently conserved open space.

The planning board grappled with the proposal’s implications, expressing the need for further deliberation and consultation with town council to ensure compliance with state law and local bylaws. The board ultimately decided to continue the discussion at a later meeting, allowing for additional input from town council and community members before proceeding with any decisions related to the solar array.

In addition to the solar project, the board addressed a comprehensive permit application for a development at Zero Sandwich Road, proposing 50 age-restricted residential units with affordable housing components. Concerns were raised about the density and layout of the development, specifically the proximity of the units and the suitability of the driveway width. The board discussed the distribution of bedroom configurations among affordable units, debating whether the development would effectively meet community needs.

The meeting also touched on zoning amendments, including a proposal to authorize the construction of house-scale multifamily dwellings within a quarter-mile radius of business redevelopment districts. This proposal aimed to address local housing needs while minimizing environmental impact, with at least one unit in each building designated as affordable housing. However, concerns about sewer capacity and its suitability for additional equivalent units were noted.