Embedded Files
Mission Statement
Mission Statement
We are a group of residents engaged to keep large industrial solar projects off of residentially zoned land.
We are a group of residents engaged to keep large industrial solar projects off of residentially zoned land.
History
History
Planning Board Approves
Planning Board Approves
On March 3, 2022, the Johnston, RI, Planning Board voted to approve the Preliminary Plan for all five commercial solar projects. Following this approval a number of residents joined forces.
The five projects cover 320+ acres in north western Johnston. Three of the projects are south of Winsor Ave. The other two are on the north east side of Greenville Ave.
The five projects cover 320+ acres in north western Johnston. Three of the projects are south of Winsor Ave. The other two are on the north east side of Greenville Ave.
We obtained legal council by Matthew Landry of Providence based Blish & Cavanagh and hired two experts for the Zoning Board meeting.
We obtained legal council by Matthew Landry of Providence based Blish & Cavanagh and hired two experts for the Zoning Board meeting.
Our experts are a land use expert, Samuel Shamoon, and appraiser, James Houle. Both experts prepared a report and appeared in front of the Zoning Board.
Our experts are a land use expert, Samuel Shamoon, and appraiser, James Houle. Both experts prepared a report and appeared in front of the Zoning Board.
At the April 28, 2022, Zoning Board meeting the developer presented about 4 hours of testimony about their five projects before any other information could be discussed. Our lawyer and experts presented about two hours of information on land use and property values. The final two hours of the meeting concluded with residents speaking against the projects. At this point it was after 2am and residents were ready to hear the verdict.
At the April 28, 2022, Zoning Board meeting the developer presented about 4 hours of testimony about their five projects before any other information could be discussed. Our lawyer and experts presented about two hours of information on land use and property values. The final two hours of the meeting concluded with residents speaking against the projects. At this point it was after 2am and residents were ready to hear the verdict.
Celebrate the WIN
Celebrate the WIN
Early on Friday, April, 28, 2022, the Johnston, RI, Zoning Board denied special use permits to five commercial solar projects. All five projects were located in residentially zoned areas covering over 320 mostly forested acres. The fight is not over.
Developer Appeals
Developer Appeals
On June 10, 2022, the developer appealed the decision of the Zoning Board to the RI appellate court.
On June 10, 2022, the developer appealed the decision of the Zoning Board to the RI appellate court.
Citizens file as Interested Parties
Citizens file as Interested Parties
On July 3, 2022, the group filed to be Interested Parties to the appeals. We are looking for others interested in joining us.
An Interested Party means we will get a chance to file an opinion to the appellate court. We will continue to get updates and be involved in the decision making process. It also means that if the town tries to settle with the developer outside of court we will be notified and involved in this negotiation.
An Interested Party means we will get a chance to file an opinion to the appellate court. We will continue to get updates and be involved in the decision making process. It also means that if the town tries to settle with the developer outside of court we will be notified and involved in this negotiation.
There continues to be strength in numbers.
Are you Interested?
Are you Interested?
If you would like to learn more, please contact us!
If you would like to learn more, please contact us!
StopJohnstonSolar@gmail.com
StopJohnstonSolar@gmail.com
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