As residents of Berkshire County, we oppose the proposed Solar Array. Our reasons are included but not limited to, the following:
Safety concerns: the proposed access road will present a traffic hazard. Hancock Rd is an extremely narrow and hilly road with poor visibility. Despite a 35/30 mph speed limit, cars continuously speed through, from Rt 7 to Pecks Rd. The entrance to the property will be on the very bottom of the hill, and vehicles entering/exiting will be unseen by oncoming traffic.
Health and Welfare concerns: the Lake District is a densely populated area with narrow tree lined streets and much neighborhood activity both on its waterways and its surrounding forest, including designated conservation land that will be severely impacted and damaged. Once cut down, the tree lines and canopies cannot be replaced.
Ecological concerns: among many concerns are land disturbance/ land use impacts on soil, water (run off into Pontoosuc Lake) and air resources, impacts on biodiversity (vegetation, wildlife, wildlife habitats and sensitive species), degradation of open space and wetlands and long term impacts of solar array.
