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Falmouth planning board splits over undergrounding utility lines for large solar project; town counsel warns against off‑record evidence
Summary
At a Feb. 10 hearing on a large ground‑mounted solar project, the board advanced discussion of ASD Cape Cod Holdings/Pure Sky's revised plans (wildlife corridor, driveway relocation, battery siting) but debated whether to require burial of utility lines off site. Town counsel warned that conditions must be based on the hearing record and cautioned against relying on ex‑parte contacts with Eversource.
At a continued site‑plan hearing Feb. 10, the Falmouth Planning Board reviewed revisions to a proposed large ground‑mounted solar array by ASD Cape Cod Holdings (Pure Sky) and engaged in a prolonged debate about whether the board can or should require burial of utility lines beyond the project boundary.
Applicant counsel Matt Terry presented plan updates that responded to public and board feedback: relocated driveways to avoid tree clusters, adjusted earth berms, added wildlife corridor openings (52–93 feet) to preserve connectivity to nearby conservation land and vernal pools, and refinements to the trail network and staging areas. Project engineer Raul Lizardi Rivera described drainage basins ranging from 18 inches to depressions about 6 feet deep designed to mimic existing topography.
Lawren…
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