Bennett and Farley Elected
MAY 21, 2024
TRENTON—Trenton voters soundly rejected changes to town rules regarding solar energy system development by a vote of 180-50 on Monday.
There is currently a moratorium on large-scale projects in the town.
The Planning Board had revised the town’s current solar ordinance, hoping to address a citizen push toward limiting commercial solar developments or solar farms.
Article 3 asked voters to approve the Planning Board’s suggested revisions of Article III: Zoning and Article VIII: Solar Energy Systems of the land use ordinance.
The Planning Board had recommended a yes vote. However, some residents worried about the changes.
Neighbors Against More Large-scale Solar Farms, the Trenton citizens group watching this issue, recommended a no vote on Article 3. Much of the opposition focused on worries that the changes did not do enough to prevent large-scale, commercial solar farms. Worries also include fire access and the need for special equipment for fire response to the area, habitat displacement, and deforestation, changing the character of Trenton’s residential zones by allowing commercial large-scale solar farms, and what would happen after the lifespan of the solar farm (25-30 years).
Three solar projects in Trenton have already received approval before the moratorium. Those projects total approximately 60 acres.
OTHER VOTES
The town also rejected changes to its Shorelands Zoning Ordinance, which would allow accessory dwelling units in that zone and prohibit ground-mounted medium- and large-scale solar energy systems. That vote failed 115-101.
John Bennett and Charles Farley Jr. were reappointed as selectmen. Bennett recieved 144 votes, Farley 141. Challenger Carol Perrault received 123 votes. A total of 234 votes were cast. For the school committee, Aaron Brown and Stefanie Shattenberg were elected with 175 and 173 votes. They ran unopposed for the two seats.
TOWN MEETING TONIGHT
Though the election and articles three and four occured via ballot on Monday, Trenton’s Open Town Meeting is tonight, May 21, at the Trenton Elementary School at 6 P.M. Voters will approve (or not) budget numbers and other warrant articles.
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