Clarksburg Planners Hit Pause Button on Solar Development

iBerkshires.com  reports the Clarksburg Planning Board is leery of increasing the overlay for commercial solar arrays, believing it could be detrimental to the community.

However, at least two property owners have come forward indicating they were interested in allowing such arrays on their land.

Planner Erin Scott said at last Wednesday's board meeting that she had questions and concerns about moving forward with any changes to the bylaws regulating solar arrays passed in late 2017.

"Why are we moving forward with adding to the overlay?" she asked, pointing to the three existing arrays that have either generated complaints or provided little to no revenue.

Two large commercial arrays are off River Road, including one at the former country club, and the third is off West Cross Road. Only one of the three has agreed to payment in lieu of taxes and the Select Board in February voted to assess the other two for personal property taxes.

Officials believe personal property taxes could bring almost $30,000, a not insignificant amount for a town nearing its levy limit. Though that may not hold up because of a state exemption for solar arrays.

Bob Davis of North Adams, who owns 65 acres off Musterfield Heights, said he had been told that in the "next round," the town would consider expanding the overlay to include his property and that of Bryan Tanner.

Scott said the town's already had problems with an array being in violation of conditions and she would take Davis to look at all three.