Sharon solar panel proposal ‘in a hesitant place’

SHARON — On July 23, Sharon Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting to review issues with the solar array project at the Sharon Center School.

The Sharon Energy and Environment Commission has already established that the school’s equipment does not match the required technology in the solar array. There needs to be major updates to the school’s systems.

To mitigate these issues, the solar array could be decreased in size, or the 1200-amp service could be replaced with a 1600-amp option.

Still, BOS decided the project is in a hesitant place. Attorney Randall DiBella read a letter he drafted commenting on the faults of the Green Bank in their review of the school’s electrical service. The letter asks the CT Green Bank if it wishes to continue with the current Power Purchase Agreement or withdraw.

Selectman John Brett made a motion for the selectmen to sign and send the letter. It passed with all in favor.

Bridge update

A survey completed by Cardinal Engineering evaluated bridges spanning six to 20 feet in Sharon, finding a bridge on West Cornwall Road over Swamp Brook to be critical.

Luckily, the town received a CT DOT Bridge Grant for $724,500. It is a 50-50 matching grant, so the town would have to raise the above value to see the grant money come in. A motion passed to accept the grant.

The town must now submit a supplemental cost analysis and work with the Board of Finance to draft an infrastructure funding plan.