Planning board approves minor site‑plan modification for East Street solar project

The Southampton Planning Board voted unanimously May 6 to approve a de minimis site‑plan modification for a ground‑mount solar project at 160 E Street, attributed to Blue Meadowbrook LLC and developed by Blue Wave.

Mike Zeehan, project director for Blue Wave, told the board the primary change was an adjustment to the array layout because the project will procure approximately 540‑watt solar modules rather than the modules originally proposed. He said, "the main change is the array layout ... and we basically extended the array a bit to the southern end here," and that the revised work area remains in compliance with required setbacks and does not extend closer to abutting properties.

Board members asked about the fence alignment, sedimentation controls and whether the array came closer to neighbors; the applicant pointed out the limit of work and perimeter controls are still in place. A board member moved to approve the de minimis changes as shown; a second was offered and the board voted in favor.

The applicant confirmed the project remains on the permitting timeline and expects to pursue a building permit before year‑end. The board said it would notify the building inspector and share the approval with town staff.

Why it matters: the change reflects typical project adjustments to available hardware and preserves project timelines while keeping protections for setbacks and abutters in place.

What’s next: Blue Wave will proceed toward building‑permit submission and will inform the town once a permit application date is known.