The board granted approval for a 14-panel small-scale ground-mounted solar installation on Lead Mine Road, proposed by Trinity Solar. The project, which is situated behind the house and obscured by existing vegetation, sparked conversation on the necessity of imposing certain requirements for small solar installations. A notable point of contention was whether a financial security bond and a detailed abandonment and decommissioning plan were necessary burdens for the applicant. Board members also discussed the adequacy of the information provided by the applicant and the process of notifying abutters, with some discrepancies noted in the number of notifications sent out.

During the public comments section, adjacent homeowners raised issues regarding the proximity of the solar panels to their properties and the clarity of property boundaries. The board was reassured by the surveyor that the solar array would not be visible from the road. Despite concerns, the board ultimately decided to approve the solar array application, opting to waive the requirements for additional vegetative screening and a security bond.

While the solar project’s approval marked a step forward in the town’s sustainable development, the discussion regarding the large tract of land on College Highway suggested a long-term vision for Southampton’s growth and development. The board deliberated over the potential role in shaping the project and emphasized the importance of hiring a professional staff person who could focus on town planning and approvals, possibly sharing responsibilities with a conservation agent. There was a consensus on the necessity of a site planning study for the 54-acre property, with the mention of Richard Harris as a potential candidate to conduct the study.

The board grappled with various aspects of the land acquisition process, from the best practices for managing the transfer and dedication of individual lots to the importance of public facilitation and the manifestation of ideas into a survey plan. The funding for these initiatives and the selection of a professional to guide the process were also topics of concern. Moreover, the board contemplated the need for a comprehensive land use study and a listening session with interested parties, in line with the master plan implementation committee’s role.

Other business included the approval of an ANR plan for four lots along Brickyard Road by OK Conor Lumber and Timber LLC. The plan involved dividing a larger parcel into four smaller lots, prompting a debate on the merging of previously acquired lots and the adjustments made to the lot lines. After some discussion, the board approved the ANR plans.

The meeting concluded with the authorization of a legal notice for a solar hearing, which will enable further community engagement and review of upcoming solar projects. The board then motioned to adjourn, having addressed the key items on their agenda.