Planning board adjourns Lynnfish solar project hearing to Aug. 5, directs staff to finish environmental record

The Farmington Planning Board voted on July 20 to adjourn the continued public hearing for the New Energy Lynnfish solar project to Aug. 5 and directed staff to prepare Parts 2 and 3 of the environmental record for board review.

Ron, a planning staff member, summarized the draft resolution as “a resolution to adjourn the public hearing directing staff to prepare parts 2 and 3 of the environmental record and continue your discussion on that issue.” Chair clarified that the motion adjourned the hearing but did not close it. Regina moved the resolution and Doug seconded; the clerk took a roll call and the motion passed.

Board engineering consultant MRB Group told members the applicant had provided the environmental documents and agency responses needed for the board to evaluate Part 2 and Part 3, though the firm said it was still reviewing and might submit comments. The adjournment gives staff time to compile the remaining forms, after which the board will review and determine next steps at the August 5 meeting.

The adjournment preserves public comment rights and leaves open additional submissions; the board emphasized it seeks new environmental facts and data rather than repetition of previous testimony. The board’s action was procedural — completing the record rather than approving or denying the project — and will be revisited at the next scheduled meeting.