Perth board ratifies waiver for three solar projects after contentious 3–2 vote; two council members walk out

The Town of Perth Board ratified a waiver allowing Active Solar Development, LLC to continue permitting for McQueen Community Solar I, McQueen Community Solar II and Perth Community Solar I after a 3–2 vote at its Oct. 2 meeting. The vote was held to "correct the vote that was done improperly last summer," Town Attorney Carmel Greco said.

The measure passed with Councilmen Lewandowski and Fisher voting yes and Councilmen Barker and Priamo voting no; Supervisor Greg Fagan cast the deciding yes vote. Board members and residents debated the merits and procedures for months before the board moved to ratify the written decision that had been issued to the applicant in June. After the vote, at about 8:05 p.m., Councilmen Barker and Priamo left the meeting with five agenda items remaining.

Supporters argued the ratification was a procedural fix that would allow the projects to proceed through the town's review process. Opponents raised concerns about the town's solar law and the approval process for setbacks and battery storage, which the board had referred to the Planning Board earlier in the evening. The public record on Oct. 2 includes extended comments for and against the projects; the board’s action was limited to ratifying the previously issued waiver rather than approving final project permits.

Action recorded: Resolution #103 — ratification of waiver for Active Solar Development, LLC (McQueen Community Solar I & II; Perth Community Solar I). Vote: Lewandowski — yes; Fisher — yes; Barker — no; Priamo — no; Supervisor Fagan — yes (tie breaker).