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Broadleaf Solar outlines 400-acre Granby proposal; residents raise environmental and tax questions
Summary
Broadleaf Solar presented a utility-scale project centered on the former Monrovia nursery site that would place about 400 acres of panels across a 720-acre area and generate enough power for roughly 14,000 homes; residents raised concerns about Salmon Brook, safety, and a reported $361,000 tax payment.
John Gravel of Broadleaf Solar presented a proposed utility-scale solar development on the former Monrovia nursery property in Granby and neighboring East Granby, telling the Board of Selectmen the project would deploy about 400 acres of solar within a 720-acre site and produce enough electricity to power roughly 14,000 homes.
Gravel said the project team has spent about two years refining the proposal, conducting due diligence and gathering municipal and public feedback. He told the Board the development is expected to enter the Connecticut Siting Council review process in July and that Broadleaf will host a public open house on June 17 before that filing.
Broadleaf officials projected about 300 construction jobs during build-out, new tax revenue for the host communities, and ongoing site stewardship and environmental improvements. The presentation also referenced grid reliability benefits and earlier outreach to local stakeholders.
During public comment, residents raised technical and environmental concerns. R. Flannigan asked about potential impacts to Salmon Brook and nearby ecosystems; M. Kramarenko voiced safety concerns and said he would submit additional questions in writing. D. Anderson asked whether a reported $361,000 tax payment tied to the property would be recurring or a one-time amount tied to a change in property classification.
First Selectman Mark Fiorentino responded that the payment appears to be a one-time amount related to a reclassification from farmland, and that the town would provide further clarification about ongoing tax treatment as project agreements and filings are finalized. The Board encouraged residents to submit written questions through the public review process so they can be formally addressed and preserved in the record.
No formal action was taken on the project at the May 18 meeting; Broadleaf representatives said additional public outreach and the formal siting review would follow.
What’s next: Broadleaf Solar plans an open house on June 17 and intends to file with the Connecticut Siting Council in July; residents and the town may submit written questions and comments during the upcoming public-review phase.
