Residents Approve Solar Bylaw, Marijuana Fine at Town Meeting

Proposed by Holliston's Chief of Police, town residents voted "yes" on a bylaw at town meeting Tuesday night which creates a . 

Henry Lively, a Holliston High School student, took the podium in opposition to the measure, saying it contradicts Massachusetts' 2008 decision to decriminalize the drug. 

"I believe this proposed fine goes against the will of the voters," Lively said. 

Chief John Moore said the bylaw will serve a method of deterring marijuana smoking in public areas of town and elevate restrictions on pot consumption to those on tobacco. 

The article was passed 98-48. 

Later in the meeting, voters approved a bylaw which regulates commercial solar energy facilities in residential areas of town. 

Opponents of article 34 said it could hurt farmers looking to boost their land's revenue with solar panels. 

"Those solar panels are a revenue stream to help struggling farmers," Mary Greendale said. 

Geoffrey Zeamer, a member of the town's Planning Board, assured voters that large-scale solar arrays which supply energy directly to homes and farms would most likely be permitted under the bylaw. 

"You need laws like this so the town can have control," Thomas Gilbert, a supporter of the bylaw said. "We did everything we could to make sure people were here to vote."