Resident warns board that solar project may use 45‑foot poles instead of underground interconnection

Bill Burgess, a resident of 124 Meadow Lane, told the Woodbury Board of Selectmen during public comment that Eversource has submitted an alternative plan that would place above‑ground interconnection poles for the town's solar project on Farm Meadow Lane rather than the underground connection the town requested and GreenSkies previously showed in its plans.

"It's a clear difference, unfavorable difference of putting 45 foot poles on on Farm Meadow Lane, which was never agreed to," Burgess said, describing three 45‑foot poles proposed near shared driveways, a stone wall and an adjacent property owner. He said the poles had been delivered and that Eversource must finish install work by June under its contract so the development implementation plan can be approved by the siting council on July 30.

First Selectman (role) said he would contact the town's Eversource account representative and ask the land use planner to investigate and seek clarity on why underground installation is not being completed as previously planned. The board was told the tree warden had been on site marking trees and that town land‑use staff reported only discussion of a pole at a specific crossing, but Burgess and neighbors maintain multiple poles are now proposed.

Why it matters: the proposed above‑ground poles would affect residences and conserved land along Farm Meadow Lane and could require different tree work and permitting steps from those for an underground connection. Burgess said he has attempted outreach to the Connecticut Siting Council (referred to in the record), Eversource and GreenSkies but received little feedback.

Next steps: the 1st Selectman said he will contact Eversource and ask the land use planner to follow up; the board did not take formal action during the meeting.