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Neighbors press Hopkinton planning process over large Skunkill Road solar modification
Summary
A resident told the Town Council she and neighbors received notice of a 'major modification' for Skunkill Road Solar covering three arrays and raised concerns about project scale, stormwater, wetlands, abutter buffers and whether planning board stipulations have been met; the council clarified the application is before the Planning Board, not the council.
Jean Shields addressed the council during public comment to raise concerns about a proposed major modification to the Skunkill Road Solar project. Shields said she and other neighbors received notice dated Jan. 22, 2026 for a Planning Board public hearing on a "major modification" affecting multiple parcels (Skunkill Road, Arcadia Road, Lisa Lane, 145 Skunkill Road) and said the proposal showed three large arrays that would affect approximately 125 abutting homes.
She urged clarity on technical issues that the Planning Board should consider, listing stormwater management, wetlands, an access road, buffer and setback compliance, and a revised grading plan. Shields said the notice identified the application as a "major land development" and cited the planning file and that plans were available in the town planner's office.
Town officials and the town attorney clarified during the council meeting that development review and any vote on the project fall to the Planning Board, not the Town Council. The attorney advised residents to bring detailed comments to the Planning Board review because the council is not the reviewing body for development applications. Councilors reiterated that earlier zone changes were granted by the council years ago but that the Planning Board now handles the current application.
Shields asked whether a previously discussed set of 22 stipulations had been met; staff directed her to raise those specific questions with the Planning Board when the item returns to that body. The Town Council did not take action on the project; the exchange was recorded during the council's public comment period to alert residents and clarify process and next steps.
Because the application is being handled by the Planning Board, residents seeking to influence conditions should direct substantive comments and evidence (technical reports, questions about erosion control and stormwater calculations, or requests to see revised plans) to the Planning Board record. Town staff said application materials are on file in the town planner's office for public inspection during regular business hours.
