The Vermont Public Service Board is conducting a public hearing regarding the South Forty Solar project November 19th, 7 p.m. at the Miller Center (130 Gosse Court). This project proposes clearcutting 19 acres of mature forest, shrub and wetland to erect hundreds of fixed solar panels. The Public Service Board is the only regulatory agency with jurisdiction over the approval of this project. The public hearing offers the best and FINAL opportunity to show public concern for the scope and negative impacts of this major utility project. Speaking is not required, however the number of concerned community members does have an influential role in the decision by the Public Service Board.

CONCERNS:

~ Flooding of the Strathmore storm water system
~ Negative impact on real estate values
~ Setting a precedent for developing a commercial utility in the middle of a residential neighborhood
~ Destruction of existing wetland and subsequent impact on the Lake
~ Development potential if the project fails to be funded AFTER the trees and wetland have been clearcut
~ Environmental paradox of clearcutting mature forest, shrub and wetland for a renewable energy project

Oct 26, 2024, 5 to 8 PM

Oct 27, 2024, 10 to 11 AM

Oct 29, 2024, 6:30 to 7:30 PM