The solar project, proposed at the Cape Cod Country Club, attracted considerable attention due to its scope and potential environmental implications. Residents and board members scrutinized various aspects of the plan, including the extensive land development required, the impact on local wildlife, and the project’s alignment with town bylaws. Particularly contentious was the plan to clear over 10 acres of forest, which exceeds the solar overlay bylaw limit of two acres. Concerns were raised about the potential fire risks associated with the battery energy storage systems, with references to past incidents highlighting the need for robust safety measures. The environmental consultant for the project outlined plans to minimize disruption, including maintaining forested buffer zones around sensitive areas like Kunameset Pond and Round Pond.

Community members voiced apprehensions about the project’s potential to alter the local landscape permanently. There were calls for a comprehensive groundwater survey to assess the impact on local water resources, particularly given the area’s historical reliance on groundwater. Additionally, residents expressed concerns about the potential decrease in property values due to the industrial nature of the solar arrays. Suggestions were made to explore alternative energy solutions, such as rooftop solar installations, to preserve open space.

The board engaged in discussions on these issues, highlighting the limitations of their authority under the Dover amendment, which restricts their ability to deny such projects outright. Instead, the board focused on conditioning the project to address community concerns.

The proposed Wendy’s location sparked a separate yet equally discussion. Residents and local business owners expressed concerns about the impact on an already congested intersection near Worcester Court and Spring Bars Road. The proximity of the proposed restaurant to residential areas was a point of contention, with fears that increased traffic and noise could disrupt the community. A resident highlighted the high accident rate at the intersection, emphasizing the potential safety risks for local schoolchildren using nearby bus stops.

Stormwater management was another issue, with residents voicing frustration over the current system’s inability to handle runoff effectively. The proposed site plan included measures to capture and manage runoff, but skepticism remained about the project’s long-term sustainability.

Lighting and noise from the Wendy’s were also concerns, with assurances made by the applicant that dark sky standards would be adhered to, minimizing light pollution. However, there was skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures, and additional landscaping with fast-growing arborvitae was proposed to enhance privacy and reduce noise impact. Critics of the project questioned the accuracy of the traffic study data.

Both projects highlighted the complex interplay between development and preservation, with the board tasked with navigating these challenges while ensuring compliance with local regulations and community expectations.