Board selects Brookshire Design Group for peer review of Pleasant Street solar project pending applicant deposit

The Planning Board selected Brookshire Design Group on Aug. 5 to perform peer review of a proposed solar array at 4353 Pleasant Street, pending receipt of an upfront $7,000 deposit from the applicant.

Board staff summarized proposals received and noted several firms either declined or revised proposals; members discussed the importance of engineering expertise for hazard mitigation, noise and emergency response analysis. One consultant’s cover letter noted that review against NFPA 855 and related fire code matters is typically the responsibility of the fire department and may require a separate review by that department or an applicant‑funded consultant. The chair and several members said the applicant should deposit the $7,000 review fee and the town would notify Brookshire Design Group once funds were available to initiate the review.

A motion to select Brookshire Design Group carried unanimously. Members discussed administrative details for holding the funds in a separate account, returning any unspent balance to the applicant, and the possibility that additional funds may be required if the scope grows. The board also requested the chair or staff consult with the fire chief about whether the fire department needs outside technical support for the NFPA/energy‑storage review elements.