UPDATE: The Bennington Planning Commission has just voted unanimously against a zoning change request from Allco Renewable Energy LTD concerning the Apple Hill area. This decision comes after a contentious hearing held on July 13, 2023, where the developers sought to rezone 27.3 acres from a rural conservation district to a rural residential zone.
The commission’s recommendation to the Select Board emphasizes that the proposal does not align with town policy criteria necessary for such a change. Commission Chair Evan Yadeski stated that any zone change must provide a “substantial benefit to the community as a whole” and must not be speculative.
Residents in the Apple Hill area voiced strong opposition, echoing concerns about the potential impacts of large solar facilities on the scenic hillside. Community member Bill Knight, president of the Apple Hill Homeowners Association, questioned the benefits to local taxpayers and emphasized that the change would likely only aid the developer. “People from New York and New Jersey aren’t coming here to see more solar panels,” Knight stated.
The proposal’s primary aim was to allow a wider range of development projects, including housing. However, company representative Rodney Galton admitted there is no specific project currently planned for the site. “We feel that the Rural Conservation requirements are too restrictive,” he argued, despite repeated calls from residents for clarity on future plans.
The commission indicated that they could reconsider the proposal if more substantial information is provided, such as a detailed development plan. However, the consensus among residents was clear: without a defined project, there is little justification for changing the zoning designation.
Local resident Dianna Leazer characterized the request as a potential case of “spot zoning,” highlighting the ongoing frustration with the developer’s vague intentions. The commission’s recent vote reflects the mounting concerns of Apple Hill residents who fear that any change may lead to undesirable developments that could mar the landscape.
As the Select Board prepares to hold a required hearing on this zoning change, community members remain vigilant. The next steps are crucial; the planning commission’s unanimous recommendation indicates a strong community sentiment against the proposal.
Residents are now left waiting to see whether the Select Board will heed the Planning Commission’s advice, or if this contentious issue will resurface with further developments. For Apple Hill, the stakes remain high as they advocate for the preservation of their scenic landscape against commercial interests.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the Select Board’s decision could significantly impact the future of the Apple Hill area.
