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Residents press Sterling selectmen on proposed Solar Field Project as CT Siting Council schedules decision
Summary
Residents raised concerns at the March 18 Sterling Board of Selectmen meeting about a proposed Solar Field Project, citing past CT Siting Council rulings; the council has set an Aug. 19, 2026 decision date and the Selectmen will await that outcome and consult with Plainfield officials.
At the Sterling Board of Selectmen meeting on March 18, residents asked town leaders what, if anything, the town can do to prevent or delay a proposed Solar Field Project.
Kim Gunn opened the discussion by asking what steps the town could take to affect the project. Karen Izzo said she had spoken with Erin Stewart, mayor of New Britain, and that Stewart told her East Windsor had tried to block a similar project but was "overthrown by the CT Siting Council." Revenue Collector Judith Stumpo told the meeting that the Planning & Zoning Commission had discussed the project March 16 and that changes to local regulations now would likely have little effect because the application has already been submitted. Stumpo provided the Connecticut Siting Council application webpage for interested residents.
Selectman Jack Joslyn said the issue was on the agenda and that he would contact Plainfield First Selectman Kevin Cunningham to learn whether Plainfield and Sterling are coordinating responses.
The board noted that the Connecticut Siting Council has scheduled a meeting for Aug. 19, 2026, to decide on the application. Selectman Patricia Massey moved to remove discussion of the project from the Selectmen’s agenda until further updates are available; the motion passed 2-0.
Why it matters: The CT Siting Council has statutory authority over certain energy facility siting decisions in Connecticut, which can limit the effect of local land‑use regulations on applications under its review. Local officials and residents often seek to influence outcomes through comment to the Council or coordination with neighboring towns.
The Selectmen did not take further action at the March 18 meeting; Joslyn said he will reach out to Plainfield officials and report back to the board when new information is available.
