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Conservation commission approves special-use permit for ground-mounted solar at Block Island Health Services
Summary
With the applicant absent, the commission approved a special-use permit for a ground-mounted solar system at Block Island Health Services after members concluded it did not encroach on wetlands and exceeded the 700-square-foot threshold requiring review.
May 13, 2025 — The New Shoreham Conservation Commission approved an advisory special-use permit for the Town of New Shoreham / Block Island Health Services to install a ground-mounted solar energy system.
Commission staff noted the project is before the commission because the proposed solar array exceeds the 700-square-foot threshold that triggers a special-use permit. No project representative was present. Commissioners reviewed materials in the packet and concluded the installation did not appear to encroach on wetlands or reduce open space.
"The only reason it's here is because they need a special use permit," a commission member said during discussion. Multiple members expressed support for solar and asked whether there were concerns about wetlands or site encroachment; none were identified in the packet materials.
A favorable motion to approve the application was made and seconded; commissioners approved the advisory recommendation by voice vote. The record shows the applicant was not present at the meeting. Commissioners did not add conditions beyond the special-use advisory approval.
