Hampden Planning Board Approves Six-Month Moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Hampden Planning Board approved a six-month moratorium on the construction and operation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) due to concerns over safety, health, and environmental implications. The moratorium was deemed necessary to study and establish regulations needed to protect the town, especially considering the limitations of the local fire department in handling large-scale incidents related to battery storage.

Hampden Planning Board Allows Solar Project Withdrawal Without Prejudice

Overview: In a recent Hampden Planning Board meeting, the board voted to allow the withdrawal of a special permit application for a 4.92 megawatt agricultural ground-mounted solar facility by Glendale Road Development LLC without prejudice. The decision, following advice from Town Counsel, gives the applicant the possibility to resubmit the project at any time without having to wait for a two-year period. This move comes after the project was denied an order of conditions by the Conservation Commission, prompting the developers to reconsider their options, which may include revising the project, abandoning it, or filing appeals.