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Town board approves plan details for Town Hall solar canopy; 13 trees to be removed and 9 relocated
Summary
Commissioner Gary DeKean presented a plan for a 384 kW DC solar canopy at Town Hall projected to offset about 54% of the building’s energy and save roughly $70,000 annually. The project requires removing 13 trees; staff proposed transplanting nine native specimens nearby and will notify residents about short‑term construction impacts.
Commissioner Gary DeKean and Deputy Commissioner Aaron Schmidt told the board the town plans to install a 384 kW DC ground‑mounted solar canopy at Town Hall, with canopy panels high enough for vehicles to drive and park beneath. DeKean said the arrays and additional roof panels would increase on‑site solar capacity and are expected to offset roughly 54% of the building’s energy use, producing an estimated $70,000 in annual savings.
Deputy Commissioner Schmidt detailed the landscape plan: installation will require removal of 13 trees where the ground mounts are placed. To preserve the site’s tree canopy and prioritize native species, Schmidt proposed transplanting nine of the removed native trees (three American sweetgums, four American black gums and two eastern redbuds or similar) into the front alley where aging flowering pear trees are in decline. Schmidt said many of the pear trees are 30–35 years old, showing storm damage and a foliar disease, and that transplanting healthier native specimens would improve long‑term site resilience.
The project timeline in the presentation sets 90% design drawings to the building department and DPW by April 1, with a targeted construction start in June and an estimated three‑to‑four month construction period that would put completion in the fall. DeKean said crews anticipate a critical one‑ to two‑week period when rows of parking will be temporarily decommissioned for foundations and heavy work; staff will coordinate with neighboring properties on temporary staff parking and will provide advance public notices.
Board members raised concerns about visibility and short‑term disruption when trees are removed. Schmidt said in‑house crews will remove pear trees and stumps and that the town’s tree fund (derived from developer fees) will pay a contractor to transplant the selected native trees and provide aftercare. The conservation advisory council chairwoman has reviewed the plan and is supportive of replanting with native species.
Staff will produce a concise public timeline and signage to explain the temporary appearance of the site during removal and replanting work and will return with construction‑phase logistics and a finalized communications plan.
