Vassalboro planners approve subdivision application; postpone other

by Mary Grow

At their Oct. 3 meeting, Vassalboro planning board members approved the subdivision application they postponed at their September meeting, and postponed a new application, for a small solar development, to November.

Darrell and Jessica Field presented requested additional information on their application to divide a lot in a subdivision on Katie Drive into two lots (see the Sept. 14 issue of The Town Line, pp. 2-3). Board members reviewed the 18 criteria for approval of a major subdivision, found the Fields’ project met them all and approved the application unanimously.

The solar project was presented by John Korkos, a project manager with ReVision Energy, on behalf of Ryan Bolduc, owner of apartment buildings including the former Volmer’s nursing home at 332 Main Street, between North and East Vassalboro villages.

Korkos explained that the requested project is a solar installation covering less than half an acre, intended to power the adjacent apartment building and others of Bolduc’s buildings. Power generated would go into the grid, but would not be sold; Bolduc intends what he generates only to earn credits for his properties.

Planning board members could not decide whether the project is a commercial solar development they need to approve, or the equivalent of a homeowner’s personal solar installation that does not need board action.

The power is going into the grid, which suggested commercial generation to some board members. But it is not to be sold, so, others argued, it is not used commercially.

Reference to definitions in the Vassalboro solar ordinance (Chapter 11 of the site review ordinance, added by voters in June 2023) and the moratorium ordinance (approved in November 2022 to give time to write and approve the solar ordinance) did not answer the question. Board members therefore voted unanimously to table the application until they get a legal opinion.

Board chairman Virginia Brackett told Korkos she would let him know as soon as possible whether he would be needed at the November board meeting.

Board members had no additional information on Ronald Weeks’ application, postponed in September; nor did they have an application for Kassandra Lopes’ relocation from one North Vassalboro building to the one next door, discussed in September.

Because the first Tuesday in November is Election Day, the next Vassalboro planning board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14, in the town office meeting room.