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School committee approves boundaries to study solar project on capped landfill, debate over compensation remains
Summary
Burrillville’s school committee voted 6–1 July 14 to approve boundaries for a potential solar project and to return the identified landfill parcel to the town for further study, while members debated whether the school should receive compensation or maintenance funds.
The Burrillville School Committee voted July 14 to approve boundaries for a potential solar project on a capped landfill near Whipple Avenue and to turn the identified parcel back to the town for further investigation.
Town presenters described the parcel configuration: the school committee’s merged lots include the capped landfill; the developer would use roughly 3.6 acres for panels and 4.3–4.5 acres when buffers and fencing are included. Presenters proposed combining that school parcel with an adjacent town-owned landfill parcel to create a roughly 30-acre site for solar development; they said developers typically post a reclamation bond and panels have an operational life of about 20 years.
Some members pressed for a tangible benefit to the school, asking whether a portion of lease revenue or assistance with maintenance costs for wells and fields could be secured. One commenter said the parcel “should help us in some way” and suggested a modest annual payment as a possibility. Committee members debated whether an amendment specifying compensation should be added; others argued that the parcel was never intended to belong to the school and that pursuing a cooperative relationship with the town would be preferable.
A motion to approve the boundaries and proceed with the transfer to the town carried 6–1. The committee directed staff to continue discussions with town officials on details, including monitoring wells, reclamation responsibilities and possible financial arrangements.
