Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Lake Road Solar Section 248 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
RPC committee approves Section 248 letter for 5 MW Lake Road Solar in Charlotte
Summary
The committee approved a Section 248 application letter for a revised 5‑megawatt Lake Road Solar project in Charlotte, after staff reported wetlands and endangered‑species constraints and members asked questions about fencing and site access from a former VTrans park‑and‑ride.
Taylor Newton, Planning Manager, presented a revised 45‑day notice for a 5‑megawatt Lake Road Solar project in Charlotte. He said Encore would own the project and that a power purchase agreement was proposed with Green Mountain Power. Staff identified potential natural‑resource constraints, including wetlands and endangered‑species habitat, and asked the Town to work with the applicant to address those constraints.
Committee members asked technical and siting questions. Chris Shaw asked about the viability and wildlife effects of required fencing; Catherine McMains and others said local negotiations could adjust fence placement to mitigate habitat impacts. Amy Bell (VTrans) noted the site’s former park‑and‑ride is owned by VTrans and is not currently in use.
Mike O’Brien moved and Jacki Murphy seconded approval of the Section 248 application letter as presented; the motion carried unanimously.
The committee’s approval was limited to recommending the letter as drafted for use in the Section 248 process. Staff noted vandalism at the site and that reopening the park‑and‑ride was not part of current VTrans plans; the committee did not take further action on access or fencing.
