As Solar Siting Sub-committee Chair in Norwich, I’ll make clear some factors in Frances Mize’s current article (“Solar vitality generates debate†; July 6).
The aim printed by the Planning Commission is: “to make adjustments that may enable our plan to qualify as an improved vitality plan. This designation will give the city plan ‘substantial deference’ with the State Public Utility Commission on photo voltaic siting tasks.â€
A associated aim is to adapt our language within the city plan to the extra regulatory use of this doc within the state net-metered photo voltaic siting course of. Since zoning by-laws aren’t utilized in these processes, the city plan should stand by itself and clearly describe the city’s needs across the location.
The city plan is the easiest way to information the PUC in realizing what the city desires and does not need when it comes to photo voltaic growth.
The present plan states “For photo voltaic era tasks ranging in measurement from 15kW to 500kW the presumption is that every one of Norwich meets the Public Utility Commission’s definition of “most well-liked web site” , regardless of present areas of native concern together with the Ridgeline Protection Overlay Area. , Shoreline Protection Overlay Area and the village’s historic district.â€
Beyond this assertion, the plan is obscure and contradictory. For instance, it talks about “guiding development†from slopes, from seen distinguished places on ridgelines, however doesn’t make clear what’s a steep slope or what’s a ‘†seen location.†The The PUC requires particular regulatory assessment and we’re modifying for this function.
We maintain public conferences and submit updates to the edited doc, monitoring adjustments for full transparency.
One final level: I wish to appropriate the statements about Annette Smith. Vermonter of the Year in 2016 and government director of Vermonters for a Clean Environment, Annette was invited by Jaan Laaspere to take part within the conferences. He helped us (at no monetary price) concentrate on how one can write the language of the town’s regulatory plan that is smart to the PUC, which suggests being particular. His steering was appreciated by all members of the subcommittee.
Mary Gorman
Norwich
The author is a member of the Norwich Planning Commission and chairs the Solar Siting Subcommittee.
Vermont GOP
gone astray
Shame on the Vermont Republican Party for flouting its personal guidelines and endorsing not solely a convicted felon, but additionally a person convicted of enterprise fraud and sexual assault. Does Paul Dame assume he can get a fats job in a Trump administration for promoting his soul? Donald Trump cannot give a flying fig for some suck with slightly cash or energy from Vermont. No, Mr. Dame, all you have got achieved is dishonor your self and your state, and dishonor the legacies of true Vermont Republicans named Coolidge, Aiken, Stafford, Davis, Jeffords, Snelling, Douglas and even Gov. Phil Scott.
Well achieved.
Curt Albee
South Strafford
Key factors of the election
Although the upcoming election feels uneventful, three issues stay clear:
Our democracy is safer within the arms of people that settle for the election outcomes.
Our nation is safer for many who don’t need Ukraine to fall.
Our freedom is safer with those that respect our proper to decide on.
Vivian Dolkart
Grantham
When scythes have been widespread
Steve Taylor’s piece on scythes (“Masters of the craft†; July 1) introduced again many recollections. I can attest that utilizing a scythe is just not simple to study. To this present day I’ve knocked down extra grass than I minimize once I use a scythe.
When I used to be in highschool within the early 60s, lots of my classmates had summer time jobs with the Vermont freeway division utilizing scythes to chop grass alongside state highways. Despite the affected person freeway employees who supervised the youth and tried to show them how one can sharpen and use a scythe correctly, many by no means bought used to it.
Bob Thompson, the daddy of a classmate at Bradford Academy, is one who makes slicing with a scythe simpler. I bear in mind him slicing the grass across the veneer mill each summer time and the way easy his swing was. Despite the loss of some fingers of 1 hand he can maintain the scythe and swing it in a rhythm, neatly laying the grass.
Gary W Moore
Bradford, Vt.
