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Developer seeks easement and setback waiver for proposed Springfield Russell solar project
Summary
Norwich Technologies proposed a preliminary plan for the 5 MW Springfield Russell solar project and asked the town to prepare a draft access easement, consider leasing 2–2.5 acres, and draft a waiver of the 50‑ft Section 248/PUC setback; the Board authorized staff to prepare waiver and easement options for future approval.
Geoff Martin of Norwich Technologies presented a preliminary concept for the "Springfield Russell" solar project (up to 5 megawatts) on private land behind existing arrays off Fairground Road. Martin asked the Town to consider (1) granting an access easement across the fairground parcel to avoid construction traffic on residential Edgewood Drive, (2) preparing a draft waiver of the 50‑ft property line setback under Section 248/PUC rules to allow panels closer to the Town parcel, and (3) leasing 2–2.5 acres of town land west of the existing array for additional panels.
The presenter said the project would interconnect via existing poles, generate new utility‑tax revenue and could provide lease or easement payments to the Town, but it would need a full Section 248 permitting process with notice and petition to the Public Utility Commission. The Board authorized the Town Manager to work with Norwich Technologies to draft a 50‑ft setback waiver and access easement option for future consideration.
