Whitman-Hanson committee passes over parking-lot capital request as questions mount about solar developer access

The Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee voted April 29 to pass over a capital request for parking-lot work after an extended discussion about a private solar developer’s interest in using district driveway access and potentially subsidizing paving.

Committee members said they want a full presentation from the company that clarifies what will be built, whether battery energy storage is involved, how access would work and the size of any financial offer. Superintendent Dr. Marcus said the access the company requested was “a necessity and not convenience,” because it is the only way to reach the developer’s property as currently configured, and noted the company estimated a six-to-10-month timetable to begin work.

Why it matters: Whitman and Hanson follow different town-meeting schedules. Members worried that if Whitman approves money at its Monday meeting and Hanson does not act until October, funds could sit unused until paving season or be outmatched by price increases. Several members urged caution so the district does not forfeit bargaining leverage or accept an arrangement that could remove play space or impose safety risks near schools.

Public commenter Miss Byers pressed the committee to require written documentation before approving any driveway access, warning about the risks of battery storage near schools: “Battery energy storage … can be dangerous and especially nearby schools or to any residential,” she said. Several committee members echoed the call for greater transparency and asked that town planning, conservation and other local stakeholders be included before any agreement is signed.

Supporters of passing the article over argued the delay would permit a fuller assessment and possibly secure a larger, more coordinated paving project next spring. Opponents cautioned that delaying full repairs could leave faculty and student lots in unsafe condition; Miss Blackman said postponing work "does not make sense to me" given the lot’s current state. The committee ultimately voted to pass over the article, meaning Whitman will take the matter to its town meeting and Hanson will consider it in October as scheduled.

What’s next: The committee requested that the solar developer present detailed plans to the district — including whether battery energy storage is part of the proposal, maps of access and the company’s financial commitment — before any access agreement or revenue-sharing arrangement is negotiated. If Whitman voters approve the article, funds would be set aside but work could not proceed without Hanson’s approval and suitable seasonal conditions.