2022-12-20-SLC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Sustainable Lexington Committee Minutes of December 20, 2022 variety of proposals, whether it be for more education, funding, or regulation, that might come from the Tree Committee or other sources, including the Climate Action Plan. After some discussion, it was moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to approve the committee’s endorsement of the statement. Charlie thanked everyone and invited those who would also like to sign individually to visit the website and do so. Tracer Lane Solar Farm Development proposal. Charlie introduced the proposal to those not familiar with it: a 31-acre site in Lexington between the Waltham line and the Cambridge reservoir, with 5+ acres proposed for a solar farm in the western portion of the site to the west of the power lines. The proposed use is as of right in the CM zone but with site plan approval required by the Planning Board. The Board held a public hearing on December 7 which was continued until February 15 to give the applicant time to react to the many comments received. Considerable discussion followed, with comments from several on the committee and the public expressing that, while very supportive of the need for more solar generating capacity in town, they are concerned about its appropriateness for this site, citing the resulting loss of forest, soil erosion, loss of stored carbon and sequestration capacity, potential contamination of the reservoir, and the poor choice of a north-facing slope. A couple of committee members expressed disappointment that there aren’t financial incentives that properly value standing trees. Bob Peters and Charles Hornig were both present and explained some of the history of the site and the limits on the Planning Board’s authority. The committee meets again in late January, in advance of the Planning Board’s continued public hearing on Feb. 15th, and it was agreed that if there are any proposed comments or recommendations the committee wishes to forward to the Board, they could do so at the next meeting. New Mass Save incentives. Cindy noted that Mass Save is offering municipalities incentives for net zero and very low EUI buildings and is encouraging towns to talk to them early in the design process. There is now a dedicated Mass Save person at Eversource for this program. It might not be too late to get funds for the police station, and certainly not for the high school; it isn’t clear but there may be funds for recommissioning buildings in addition to new construction. Next Meeting: The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Sustainable Lexington Committee will be held at 6 pm on January 26, 2023. The committee voted to adjourn at 8:23 pm. Respectfully submitted, Charlie Wyman .3