MATTAPOISETT — Abutters, historical commission members, engineers and residents came out virtually for what was the first of multiple public hearings on a proposed solar array at the end of Randall Lane on Oct. 13.

One main concern by many wasn’t the solar array itself, but of the construction process.

Even before the presentation of the 78 acre solar array, multiple residents voiced their concerns in letters about the potential abuse of the historic bridge near the entrance to Randall Lane by the construction trucks that would come in and out. 

“Nothing is going to be coming over that bridge as far as I’m concerned,” Planning Board Chair Tom Tucker said after the first letter was read. 

“I appreciate everything I’m hearing,” said Alex Murphy, one of the many representatives from the Mattapoisett Historical Commission who were present to ensure that the bridge would be protected. 

Board member Nathan Ketchel also brought up concerns about Randall Lane itself. 

“That first left turn is rough,” he said. 

“We understand that there’s a lot of concerns,” said Principal Engineer Eric Las from Beals and Thomas, the firm who is taking on the construction. 

In a submitted letter to the Board by resident Dave Nicolosi, he expressed that Randall Lane would need to be worked on even before construction started so that it would be prepared for trucks to frequent the lane.

Resident Tom Gronski lives on River Road and can watch trucks go over the bridge and into the lane. When the solar array on Crystal Springs Road was under construction, the town put up weight limit signs for trucks.

While trucks were supposed to not go over the bridge for the project, he said that “people don’t read signs and don’t read directions,” so the trucks kept driving over it. 

John Duke, a Randall Lane resident, also brought up the fact that the lane isn’t plowed during snow storms.

“There are certain winter issues that I’m pretty confident this solar company has no idea what they’re dealing with,” he said. 

In letters and voiced concerns, many suggested the use of another entrance into the land, such as Nicky’s Lane. 

Another concern brought up by board member Janice Robbins was over the historic barns that sit on the land in between the 33 acres of solar arrays split up into two on the property. 

Although not explicitly shown in the plans, Las said that barns that have been around since the 1650s would not be touched. 

According to Tucker, this solar array would be 30% bigger than the one on Crystal Springs Road. 

“This is not going to be approved tonight by a long shot,” Tucker said, noting that the approval process won’t happen overnight.