Resident Bjorn Loftfield seeks special-use permit for 13.35 kW ground-mounted solar array at 276 Olson Road

Bjorn Loftfield, who identified himself to the board, asked for a special‑use permit to install a 13.35‑kilowatt ground‑mounted solar array in the side yard of his property at 276 Olson Road.

"My name is Bjorn Loftfield. I reside at 276 Bolson Road, and I'm hoping to install a solar array to compensate for the power I use every year," Loftfield told the board, adding the planned array would sit on the north side of his house about 275 feet from Bolson Road and largely be screened by trees.

Town engineering staff said they had reviewed the drawings and found nothing objectionable. The board confirmed that neighboring property owners will be notified and that public comment will be accepted; the planning board scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 1 at 7:00 p.m. and told Loftfield he must submit written responses to any comments received.

Why it matters: a ground‑mounted array of this size is intended to serve a single residence and raised local questions about visibility and neighbor notification; the board's public hearing will be the formal opportunity for neighbors to comment.

What comes next: the hearing will be held Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.; the applicant and staff will provide the record and any written responses for the board to consider before a final decision.