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CCRPC Executive Committee approves letters supporting three local land‑use and solar filings
Summary
The Executive Committee approved staff letters for a Hinesburg 150 kW solar Section 248 filing, a Bolton 150 kW solar Section 248 filing (with noted flood and agricultural constraints), and an Act 250 subdivision filing for Rice Lumber in Shelburne, while flagging a potential 9(L) anti‑sprawl concern for stormwater siting.
The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Executive Committee voted to approve staff letters on three separate land‑use filings: a Section 248 petition for a 150 kW solar project in Hinesburg (4 Acorns, LLC), a Section 248 petition for a 150 kW solar array in Bolton, and an Act 250 subdivision application for the Rice Lumber PUD in Shelburne.
Regina Mahony, Planning Manager, told the committee the 4 Acorns project on Observatory Road in Hinesburg had been reviewed under the Section 248 45‑day notice process and that CCRPC staff found the site a “preferred site.” "The CCRPC finds the project meets the intent of the Energy Goal (Goal #17) and the location of this project meets the suitability and constraint policies of the 2018 Chittenden County ECOS Plan," Mahony said. The committee approved sending the letter to Nils Behn at Acorn Energy Solar 4, Inc.
On Bolton Solar, Mahony said staff again identified the proposed site as a "preferred site" but noted two possible State constraints: Flood Hazard Area and Agricultural Soils. The petitioner has proposed mitigation; CCRPC requested that impacts be in conformance with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and Agriculture. The committee approved the letter to All Earth Renewables.
For the Rice Lumber Act 250 filing, Mahony summarized that the application seeks subdivision to create lots 4A and 5A, PUD lot line adjustments, and extraction of rock. Because no buildings are proposed, staff concluded there are no new traffic impacts to review, but members raised concerns about the proposed location of the stormwater system adjacent to Route 7. John Zicconi and other members noted that if the stormwater infrastructure is installed where shown, it could make achieving Act 9(L)'s anti‑sprawl design (placing buildings in a walkable pattern, not pushed to the rear of lots) more difficult when buildings are later proposed. Charlie Baker asked staff to check with VTrans and transportation staff before finalizing the letter. The committee approved the letter to the District #7 Coordinator; motions on all three items carried unanimously.
Regina noted the Rice Lumber prehearing conference is scheduled in mid‑March with a hearing in late March; staff said they may have additional comments as the project proceeds.
