The Rochester Planning Board continued discussions with two solar groups at Tuesday night's meeting, both of which will move forward with their plans.

After new zoning bylaws were passed at the June 13 Town Meeting, representatives from Meadowatt wanted to clarify the new requirements to ensure they would continue to be in compliance with the town's regulations.

Meadowatt is a large-scale solar farm proposed for 188-190 Marion Road.

The board also scheduled a site visit to see the areas Meadowatt workers have staked off so at the next meeting the public hearing could potentially be completed.

Resident Brad Taber expressed concerns that he would be able to see the site from his property because the trees that block the view in the spring and summer lose their leaves in the fall and winter. He suggested that the site visit be postponed until winter.

Chair Arnie Johnson assured Taber that the board would check it out during their site visit, and that they would be able to tell which trees would lose their leaves.

The public hearing for Meadowatt will continue at the next meeting on June 28.

Representatives from Clean Energy were also at the meeting. After a heated discussion at the last Planning Board meeting, the board members threatened to move to reopen the public hearing if fencing was not in place by this meeting.

Clean Energy is a 6.5 acre solar project currently building in Marion, but abuts Rochester and is accessible only through Perry's Lane in Rochester.

The screening was finished in time, and according to the board, it does a good job of blocking the site.

“The screening is sufficient,” Johnson said. “It looks nice.”

The board expressed its appreciation to the company for getting the job done in time, and decided not to reopen the public hearing.

“You got it done and I appreciate that. Thank you for that,” Johnson said. “I don't see a reason to reopen the hearing.”

The other board members agreed, and Clean Energy will continue to move forward with its project.