HomeMy WebLinkAboutCover Letter-Project Narrative
P.O. Box 1051
Sandwich, MA 02563
(508) 888-9282 * FAX (508) 888-5859
email: ade@atlanticcompanies.com
www.atlanticcompanies.com
February 1, 2023
Stephen Robichaud, Chair
Planning Board
Town of Barnstable
367 Main Street
Barnstable, MA 02601
Re: Special Permit Application
Wakeby Road Solar Project
810 Wakeby Road, Marstons Mills-Barnstable, MA (Parcel ID: Map 13 Lots 4, 5 & 52)
Atlantic Job #3064.04
Dear Mr. Robichaud:
On behalf of TJA Clean Energy (the Applicant), enclosed please find documents relative to a
Special Permit Application for the Wakeby Road Solar Project located at 810 Wakeby Road,
Marstons Mills-Barnstable, MA.
Per Section 240-44.2(E)1, of the Town of Barnstable Zoning Bylaws, proposed groundmounted
solar photovoltaic installation projects with 250 kW or larger of rated nameplate capacity shall
undergo Site Plan Review. Additionally, large-scale groundmounted solar photovoltaic installation
projects located in an underlining residential zoning district shall also require a Special Permit
from the Planning Board.
We have provided copies of the following items for the Planning Board’s consideration per the
requirements of Section 240-44.2. One (1) copy of the Special Permit submittal package will be
delivered to Town Clerk:
1. Three (3) full size copies Site Development Plans prepared by Atlantic Design Engineers, Inc.,
Sheets 1-6, dated 02/01/23 – attached under separate cover;
2. Three (3) 11” X 17” size copies Site Development Plans prepared by Atlantic Design Engineers,
Inc., Sheets 1-6, dated 02/01/23– attached under separate cover;
3. Three (3) copies Application for Special Permit Approval;
4. Three (3) Solar Real Estate Lease Option Agreement dated August 18, 2022;
5. Three (3) copies of One Line Electrical Diagram;
6. Three (3) Zoning Figure;
7. Three (3) copies FAA Determination;
8. Three (3) copies Wetland Report by Wendell Wetland Services dated November 7, 2019, &
Negative RDA;
9. Three (3) copies of data sheets of modules, inverter, racking system, and transformers;
10. Three (3) copies of Decommissioning Plan;
11. Three (3) copies Solar Operation and Maintenance Plan;
Stephen Robichaud, Chairman
Planning Board
Wakeby Road Solar Project
Special Permit Application
810 Wakeby Road – Marstons Mills-Barnstable, MA
February 1, 2023 – Page 2
12. Three (3) copies Emergency Response Plan;
13. Three (3) copies Environmental Health and Safety Plan;
14. Three (3) copies of Cape Cod Commission Determination;
15. Three (3) copies Stormwater Analysis Summary dated 02/01/2023– attached under separate
cover;
16. The following check:
$750.00 for Special Permit
17. One (1) Memory Stick containing all documents.
Project Narrative
The proposed project locus is ±19.32-acres of land identified as 810 Wakeby Road located in the
village of Marstons Mills within the Town of Barnstable, Massachusetts shown as Parcels 4, 5 and 52
on Barnstable Assessor Map 13 (“site”). The site is located to the north of Wakeby Road within a
Residential F (RF) Zoning District. Additionally, the property is located within Groundwater
Protection Overlay District (GP) and a Resource Protection Overlay District (RPOD) as mapped on
the Town of Barnstable Zoning Map.
The site presently consists of a mostly cleared/disturbed interior with light to moderate tree cover along
the edges of the parcels’ boundaries. The existing topography is variable but generally slopes down
on all sides to several natural depressions or excavated depressions within the center of the site. These
depressions are the result of the site’s historical use as a sand and gravel quarry.
The Applicant, TJA Clean Energy, proposes to construct a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system
in accordance with the Barnstable Zoning Bylaw Section 240-44.2 Groundmounted Solar Photovoltaic
Overlay District and Article IX Site Plan Review, with the following exceptions:
• Section 240.102.A.13 – Parking and Traffic Circulation Plan. The proposed large-scale
groundmounted solar photovoltaic installation will not require parking and will not significantly
increase traffic volume.
• Section 240.102.A.14 – Lighting Plan. The proposed large-scale groundmounted solar
photovoltaic installation will not require lighting.
• Section 240.102.A.15 – Landscaping Plan. Proposed vegetative screening for the solar
photovoltaic installation will consist of two (2) rows of staggered coniferous trees. Planting and
layout details have been provided on Sheet 6 of the Site Development Plans.
• Section 240.44.2.3 – Dimensional Requirements. The Applicant has discussed with the Senior
Town Planner to reduce the setback from nonresidential lots to 15 feet and; accordingly, will be
submitting a modification permit.
• Section 240.44.2.5.(c) – Financial Surety. The Applicant requests that this be provided during the
building permit application process for the amounts detailed within the submitted
Decommissioning Plan.
Stephen Robichaud, Chairman
Planning Board
Wakeby Road Solar Project
Special Permit Application
810 Wakeby Road – Marstons Mills-Barnstable, MA
February 1, 2023 – Page 3
The proposed ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system will produce ±4.99 MW AC, which will
provide clean electricity to the grid. The project will encompass ±10.26-acres within chain-link
perimeter security fence. The project will require minimal tree clearing and will not increase
measurable impervious area. The proposed project equipment includes solar modules, security fencing,
stormwater measures, a gravel access road, transformers, electrical inverters, fixed-tilt racking systems,
and above and below ground electric infrastructure tied to the existing utility line located adjacent to
the site on Wakeby Road.
A wetland review of the Site was completed by Wendell Wetland Services on October 23, 2019, and
no wetlands were identified on the three parcels proposed for the solar development. The Town of
Barnstable Conservation Commission issued a negative Determination of Applicability (RDA) for the
project on December 3, 2019. The MassDEP Priority and Estimated Habitats MassGIS shows the
Site is not within a Priority Habitats of Rare Species or Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife Zone
(NHESP).
Access for construction and future maintenance will be via the existing dirt road located off Wakeby
Road and a gravel access drive will be constructed off of the existing dirt road leading into the array.
During construction, a temporary stone tracking pad will be utilized at the entrance to the Site along
Wakeby Road.
The proposed project will maintain vegetated hedges of dense evergreen plantings to the south, east,
and north-northwest to screen the array from abutting properties. Additionally, a berm and vegetative
screening will be constructed along the eastern boundary of the project to screen the array from abutting
property addressed as 145 Mockingbird Lane.
Erosion control and stormwater measures will be provided in accordance with the DEP Stormwater
Management Policy and the Town of Barnstable Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) Plan. A
complete Stormwater Report is included with this application.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to us at (508) 888-9282.
Very truly yours,
ATLANTIC DESIGN ENGINEERS, INC.
Richard J. Tabaczynski, P.E.
Vice President