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Town council approves subordination agreement to allow solar installation at Parker Place
Summary
Tolland Town Council voted unanimously June 24 to approve a subordination, nondisturbance and attornment agreement enabling a rooftop solar installation at Access Senior Housing’s Parker Place, following public support from residents and a presentation by Connecticut Green Bank.
Tolland Town Council on June 24 approved a subordination, nondisturbance and attornment agreement that clears the way for a rooftop solar array at Parker Place, the town-owned senior housing complex managed by Access Community Action Agency.
The contract — described at the meeting as a subordination, nondisturbance and attornment agreement between the town of Tolland, Access Housing at Parker Place Limited Partnership and CEFIA Holdings LLC — drew public comment from Parker Place residents and a program overview from the Connecticut Green Bank.
The agreement will let the Connecticut Green Bank (through CEFIA Holdings LLC) install and own a solar system on the Parker Place roof and manage interconnection and construction while recognizing the town as the fee owner of the parcel. Kathleen Kreider of Access Community Action Agency, reading a statement on behalf of Parker Place residents, told the council: “The solar project presents a vital opportunity to reduce energy costs, promote energy independence, and contribute to the town's environmental stewardship.”
Emily Basham of the Connecticut Green Bank explained the legal term at the meeting: “Aternment, and and I'm not an attorney, is that we would just be acknowledging, and recognizing the town as the fee owner or the landlord of the parcel.” Basham and town staff described the agreement as the last missing piece needed before the installation partner proceeds with full engineering, utility interconnection application and permitting. Basham said construction would follow final approvals and that “construction would probably take about 2 months,” after which the system would be energized.
Councilors said Planning and Zoning had provided a positive referral on the project. Town staff and the town attorney reviewed the proposed contract and reported no outstanding legal or building-safety objections. The council moved to adopt the draft resolution authorizing the town to enter the agreement; the motion, moved by Councilor Butler, passed with an aye vote and no recorded opposition.
The council and Green Bank representatives described the project as having no cost to the town and as aimed at lowering utility bills for Parker Place residents, many of whom are on fixed incomes. Town staff said the project will proceed through engineering, interconnection review with the utility, permitting and then construction, with the Green Bank acting as project manager and system owner.
What happens next: with the council’s approval and the lease-subordination agreement in place, the installation partner will complete engineering, apply for utility interconnection and secure permits before constructing the array. Councilors said the agreement will not typically return to the council unless future amendments are proposed.
