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Residents turned out for a more-than-two-hour public hearing to voice concerns about impact of a power project that would encompass much of 675 acres.

WARREN — A proposed solar farm that would be the largest in New England would be a game changer for the town, a municipal official said during a more than two-hour public hearing Thursday evening.

The Planning Board voted unanimously at the end of the July 14 hearing to postpone consideration of the site plan application until its Aug. 11 meeting. Members said they wanted time to consider the new information provided at the public hearing.

The $125 million to $150 million Warren Meadow Solar Station would be located adjacent to Wotton’s Mill Road and extend to Carroll Road and encompass much of 675 acres. There would be a power substation, 63 shipping-sized containers with batteries, and 200,000 solar panels. The property is located adjacent to a Central Maine Power transmission line.

The project, if approved, would generate enough electricity to power 18,450 homes for a year, according to the developer.

Residents voiced concern about the impact on their property values, the impact on roads, fire safety, and whether there would be sufficient assurance that the company would cover the costs of decommissioning.

While the town has no ordinances that specifically regulate solar farms, Glenvale Solar Farm founder Aidan Foley said the company designed the project expecting more stringent ordinances.

Hank Reed asked why the Planning Board was proceeding with its review for the largest solar project in New England without first adopting ordinances to regulate such a project.

The town is considering ordinances to regulate solar farms but Planning Board Chair Jason Tourila pointed out any ordinances adopted by the town would not affect the current application since it has already filed a completed application.

Warren Assessors Agent Jim Murphy said the project would be a game changer for the town.

Glenvale Solar Farm founder Aidan Foley estimated the project would generate $831,000 in additional property taxes for the town in the first year.

Murphy said if the project was approved without a tax increment financing district the town would lose state revenue sharing and be responsible for paying more of the regional school district budget because of the town’s higher valuation after the first two years. There is a two-year lag time in the determination of state valuations.

The assessors’ agent said it was too soon to know if neighboring residential property values would be reduced because of the solar farm. He said that he would need data before knowing if values should change.

The company has not requested a tax increment financing district but one may be sought. A tax increment financing district would shield much of the additional value from the state valuation which would result in the loss of state revenue sharing and additional school commitment. A TIF would also return some of the increased tax revenues to the company, often for infrastructure.

A TIF could not be approved without a town meeting vote. If approved by residents, the Selectboard would then negotiate terms of the TIF.

Haley Mank said she has a beautiful farm and does not want to see a solar farm. She said more trees need to be planted as a buffer from the solar project and her property.

Paula Sutton said the town does not need another rifle range scenario in which the town approved the project on Route 90 and was left with tons of wastes stored on the site more than 20 years later. She urged the Planning Board to take its time and do its due diligence reviewing the project.

Molli Bennett said the roads already have to be replaced every couple years and voiced concern about the impact of large trucks using the roads during construction.

The plan was first submitted to the town and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in March. The Warren Planning Board found the site plan application complete at its May 12 meeting. A site visit was held at the property on June 2.

The land would be leased from property owners who include John Hart, E.C. Hart, and Thomas Watson. Watson serves on the Planning Board but has recused himself from participating in the review. The land is currently used for timber harvesting and has gravel pits.

The application by the company, based in Jamaica Plain, Mass., states the development would create jobs for local residents (200 jobs at the peak of construction); contracting opportunities for local businesses including tree clearing, site, work, electrical, and surveying; support conservation and recreational opportunities; and establish a habitat for pollinators.

The primary access for construction vehicles would be an existing entrance from Wottons Mill Road.

Construction is expected to begin before the end of 2023. The project needs approval from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“Once operational the project will generate emission free electricity for decades, offsetting over 4,000,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over forty years. In the first year of service, emissions avoided by Warren Meadow Solar Station will equal the carbon sequestered by 214 square miles of forest,” the company states.

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