MATTAPOISETT — In a video conference meeting on April 6, the Planning Board heard a presentation from solar manufacturer NextGen about the construction of solar array farms on Bowman Road and opened public comments and questions about the project. 

This presentation comes after NextGen was denied a special permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals to build two farms on Bowman Road, which prompted litigation from the company.

Now, in its revision, the plan was based in large part on the desires of neighbors and the Mattapoisett Land Trust. 

NextGen attorney Joe Pacella said that his client is “committed to being a good neighbor” to abuttors and the town. 

In addition altering how the farms are built, the company said that, upon approval, it will donate a portion of non-buildable land from one of the farms to the Land Trust, drop litigation against the Zoning Board and take on a bond that would fund the deconstruction of the farms in the far future if they become obsolete.

Because of the state’s municipal relief act signed for coronavirus concerns, the town does not have to approve the site construction until 45 days after the state’s state of emergency order is lifted.

At the hearing, the company fielded a variety of questions about topics like the width of the access road to the solar farm, the impact of construction trucks on Bowman Road and the buffer between the houses and the farms.

The Planning Board will continue the hearing until May 4. To voice any questions or concerns before the board’s next hearing, email planning@mattapoisett.net.