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Planning board approves reduced 69 Summit Street solar project after debate over screening and review timeline
Summary
The Planning Board approved a modified site plan for a solar array at 69 Summit Street, reducing capacity and removing planned battery storage; approval was conditioned on construction fencing, privacy slats facing the soccer field, a paved apron and conservation sign‑off after members debated the 30‑day review rule.
The Halifax Planning Board on May 7 approved a modification to the previously permitted solar array at 69 Summit Street (PSPR 26‑2), approving a smaller layout and removing proposed battery energy storage while attaching conditions that include construction fencing installed before general work, privacy slats on the fence bordering the soccer field, a paved apron at the Summit Street access and conservation commission sign‑off.
Field Engineering representative Richio, speaking on behalf of Aqua Energy, told the board the revised plan reduces the project’s size to approximately 1.57 megawatts DC (down from about 1.6 MW on the earlier approval), reduces module count (from the previously approved 3,600 modules to 2,934) and shrinks the fenced area from about 5.3 acres to roughly 4.7 acres. Richio said the revised electrical design uses distributed string inverters rather than a central inverter and that the earlier proposal for battery energy storage has been removed.
"We reduced the size of the array from 1.6 megawatt DC to 1.57," Richio said, adding that the fenced area has been reduced and the equipment pad will be smaller, containing a transformer and utility meters rather than centralized batteries. He said no site lighting is proposed and that the facility will be remotely monitored.
Residents pressed for careful screening so the array does not make adjacent soccer fields appear industrial. "Those fields are beautiful for all the families in Halifax and not to have it look like industrial now," said Chris (129 Circuit Street), urging robust screening, periodic trimming and preservation of sight lines. The applicant agreed to review existing vegetation in the field and to coordinate a site visit with town officials before construction.
Board members also questioned transformer details and environmental protections. The applicant confirmed pad‑mounted transformers would use oil‑based fluids but said units include secondary containment designed to meet code and protect nearby wetlands.
During deliberations a board member raised a point of order citing town bylaw chapter 167‑28 and the requirement that review boards submit comments — a challenge about whether the full 30‑day review period had elapsed. Board members debated whether written comments had been received from all departments but ultimately proceeded with a majority roll‑call vote: Mr. Sylvester — yes; Miss Troop — no; Mr. Walsh — yes; Mr. Millius/Millians — yes; Mr. Gainer — yes. The motion passed, with the conditions noted above and subject to conservation commission approval.
Next steps: the applicant will provide updated plan sheets showing the final fence and screening details; conservation commission review and the planned site visit are scheduled to continue the review process.
