Simsbury Shoots Down Megachurch's Solar Panel Project
SIMSBURY, CT — A local megachurch's controversial plan to install solar panels on its Old Farms Road site to power its facility received a setback from the Simsbury zoning board recently.
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The large church building, which is located on 24.53 acres at 124 Old Farms Road, is 5,333 square feet.
According to documents on file with the town, the church proposed building a 74-foot-by-85-foot solar array (2,667 square feet).
The church site is located in a residential zone, and solar panels are allowed in residential zones, according to a town report on this application.
But, according to Simsbury Assistant Town Planner Brittany MacGilpin's report, large solar arrays such as the one proposed by the church do require zoning commission approval, namely a special exception permit.
Several residents, most of whom live nearby, expressed opposition to the project, while a few supported the project.
West Simsbury resident Jeff Ryan, who lives nearby, was one who opposed the solar array, saying it would hurt his view of the site from his home.
"It's pretty much the first thing I will see every morning," Ryan said.
Nearby resident Gary Bush also expressed opposition, saying he's worried about environmental impacts as well as aesthetic impacts as well.
"My main concern .. is how this will affect my wellwater. I'm also concerned about glare from the solar panels.," Bush said.
Ultimately, the zoning board voted 5-1 to deny the application, with many zoning board members claiming "insufficient information" from the church to approve the project.
In addition, zoning board members indicated a desire to visit the proposed location of the solar array.
