Cranston solar array faces planning scrutiny

CRANSTON – To the dismay of open-space advocates, the City Council recently approved a key zoning exemption that opens the door for construction of the state’s largest solar array.

The zoning measure, put forth by Mayor Allan Fung, passed at the council’s Nov. 24 meeting, according to a report by ecoRI News. The 10-megawatt array proposed for Hope Farm Road in western Cranston still requires approval from the City Planning Commission, which began reviewing residents’ concerns at a Dec. 1 meeting.

“It was a very discouraging loss for the city’s farming future, as I’m sure more landowners will be sucked in by the promises of instant riches from big energy at the expense of best use of land,” said Annemarie Bruun, a local resident and vice president of the West Bay Land Trust.

The land trust sought to acquire and protect the privately owned 75-acre parcel as part of the city’s comprehensive plan. •

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