UPDATE: The Bennington Planning Commission has just voted unanimously to reject a zoning change request from Allco Renewable Energy LTD that would have impacted 27.3 acres in the Apple Hill area. This decision, made on Thursday, October 12, 2023, marks a significant moment in a lengthy battle over solar development that has spanned more than a decade.
The commission advised the Select Board that the proposed change from a rural conservation district to a rural residential zone does not align with town policy criteria. Commission Chair Evan Yadeski emphasized that any zone change must demonstrate a substantial benefit to the community, which the proposal failed to do. “You are asking us to buy a cat in a bag. We don’t know what it is,” Yadeski stated during the heated session.
The request from Allco Renewable Energy has been a source of contention among local residents, many of whom voiced concerns about the potential impact on the scenic hillside. Bill Knight, president of the Apple Hill Homeowners Association, questioned the benefits of such a change, stating, “The only thing it is going to help is if [Allco President] Thomas Melone wants to use that for solar.” He added that any large-scale housing project would become “just one more eyesore” affecting the area’s appeal to visitors.
During the public hearing, company representative Rodney Galton insisted that Allco currently has no specific project planned for the site. Instead, he argued that the existing rural conservation requirements are overly restrictive. He described the area as “Rural Conservation in name only,” suggesting that a change is necessary to reflect the residential character of Apple Hill.
Local residents, including Dianna Leazer, expressed skepticism about the developer’s intentions, suggesting that the request could be a form of spot zoning that benefits a single owner without community gain. “They always have an agenda,” Leazer warned, highlighting the ongoing distrust towards Allco’s long history of seeking solar permits in the region.
The commission’s unanimous recommendation to deny the zoning change does not end the matter. They indicated that if Allco provides more detailed plans for the property, a reconsideration could be possible. “They’ve got to be open about it,” urged Kenneth Swierad, a member of the Planning Commission, who recused himself from the hearing.
As the discussion continues, the Select Board is set to hold a required hearing on the proposal before making a final decision. This ongoing saga underscores the complexities of balancing renewable energy development with community interests in scenic areas.
The rejection of this zoning change request serves as a reminder of the tensions between development ambitions and local preservation efforts. For residents of Apple Hill and the broader Bennington community, this decision is a critical moment in shaping the future of their landscape. Stay tuned for further developments on this pressing issue.
