Holliston Pushes Back Against Bullard Farm Solar Plant

When all the seats were filled at Thursday's Planning Board meeting, residents lined the walls.

They came in opposition to a proposal from Renewable Energy Massachusetts, a solar construction firm that intends to build a two-megawatt photovoltaic plant on Bullard Farmstead, a facility that one resident called an attack on his town. 

"They are asking us to change the nature of our town," Wingate Street resident, Marty Lamb said. "I think this is a precedent that the [Planning] Board must set against a for-profit company."

The Stop Bullard Farm organization had encouraged locals in recent weeks to come to the hearing, which was attended by over 30 area residents.

Presenter Brian Kopperl fielded questions after outlining how the 7,500 panels would be constructed on 7 acres of former farmland. 

While Bullard Street homeowners raised questions about noise and construction times, the biggest issue of the meeting was one close to those residents' hearts – trees.

"Some people moved to the street just for the tree canopy," Holliston's Tree Warden, Mark Ahronian, said. 

Construction of the facility requires the removal of seven trees that would block sunlight from the proposed panels. 

Residents came prepared, disputing the proposal by citing specific clauses in the town's bylaws that govern the trees as well as using data on the potential negative effects tree removal could have on the area. 

Ellen George of 62 Persis Place, cited the hundreds of gallons of storm water each tree offsets per day. 

“I want to see some significant reason for these trees to be removed, and so far I haven’t,” Planning Board member Geoffrey Zeamer said.

Board members asked presenters to gather additional data on issues raised by residents including electromagnetic field production and health effects associated with broken panels. 

The hearing is scheduled to continue on Jan. 19.