Historic-district commission fails to approve 11-panel solar array at 55 Route 6A after heated debate

The Old Kings Highway Committee on Nov. 25 declined to approve an application to install 11 solar modules on the side roofs of 55 Route 6A, after more than an hour of discussion that pitted residents’ climate concerns against the commission’s preservation charge.

Owner Susan Starkey and her representatives told the commission they had revised the design to locate panels on the Willow Street-facing roof to minimize visibility from the Route 6A corridor. Starkey noted the recent state climate legislation signed by Governor Maura Healey and said the statute requires historic commissions to “give substantial weight to the threat posed by climate change and to the Commonwealth’s obligation to meet statewide greenhouse gas emission limits” when ruling on applications.

Neighbors and business owners urged approval. John Hunt, who said he operates the nearby Liberty Hill Inn, told the commission the community benefits from allowing tasteful solar installations: “I think I would be prouder of you as a historic commission to see this happen,” he said, calling the proposal a reasonable compromise. Jim Wolf, another resident and homeowner, described his own experience: “I have 39 solar panels, 15 on the front of my house facing Gooseneck Road,” he said, urging the commission to consider adapting standards for new conditions.

Commissioners weighed statutory guidance, the panel’s Old Kings Highway bulletin and precedent on Route 6A. Members asked whether the panels could be placed on outbuildings or remodeled roofs and whether structural reinforcement had been explored. One commissioner said moving panels to a less-visible roof would reduce the homeowner’s production below the goal, while others argued approving a visible installation on a house so close to Route 6A would set a difficult precedent.

After public comment and prolonged internal discussion about how to balance preservation and climate obligations, a motion to approve the application was moved and seconded but the voice vote did not carry. The transcript records multiple 'aye' and 'nay' responses and concludes the "motion is not carried." The committee did not adopt the proposal at this meeting.

Next steps: the applicant may revise designs, investigate structural reinforcement of outbuildings, or appeal the commission’s decision to the regional Old Kings Highway Historic District commission per the appeals process cited by the board.