BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont Public Utility Commission has denied a bid for Bennington’s solar array and said that the project did not adhere to the town plan.
New York developer Thomas Melone wants to build the 2-megawatt project in an area reserved as a rural conservation district, Vermont Public Radio reported.
The Apple Hill solar project would require about 10 acres of clearcutting and would be visible from the Bennington Battle monument, according to the commission.
Melone said that he redesigned the project to reduce its impact and argued that it would not really be visible.
Brooke Dingledine, an attorney who represents a local homeowners association, said her clients have been fighting the project for five years and that they expect the ruling to be appealed.
The project has a seven-year history that includes an appeal to the state Supreme Court.
Melone did not respond to requests for comment.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.