The Planning Board denied a request from Renewable Generation LLC to expedite approval of a 1.5-megawatt solar farm in the heart of town before a state reimbursement program expires.

“It’s incredibly important for us to get a permit tonight if possible,” said Amelia Tracy, a Renewable Generation representative.

Tracy spoke Tuesday night to address suggestions and modifications brought forth at the Planning Board’s previous meeting. Ten minutes prior to the meeting, she learned of the impending change affecting the company's plans.

Proposed for 620 New Bedford Road, the project has drawn the ire of abutters and residents who say it will mar the rural landscape. The public hearing addressing project specifications has been ongoing for approximately six months, and it regularly draws a dozen or more residents who oppose the solar farm.

Tracy explained that a state program awards funds to solar projects for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity produced, known as State Renewable Energy Certificates.

She said Massachusetts will no longer reimburse projects such as Renewable Generation’s starting next week. Tracy then asked the board to approve the project.

“We are under a tight deadline,” she said. “This is the reality of our industry.”

Member Lee Carr asked if the change would kill the project or just result in less revenue for the company.

“It’s not about making money,” Tracy responded.

Member Ben Bailey, long opposed to the project, disagreed.

“You’re talking about qualifying for a handout,” Bailey said. “That’s what you’re not going to get – a government handout.”

When asked, Tracy would not say if losing the reimbursement would change the company’s decision to build in Rochester.

Chair Arnie Johnson said the board carefully weighs the needs of developers and residents in all cases.

“We don’t like to waste anybody’s time,” he said. “When the time is right we like to write very good decisions.”

He said the board likely wouldn’t close the hearing until March.

Complicating the issue is the possible presence of endangered species on the site.

Johnson said the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program must review the solar application. A part of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, the program protects species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern. It can overrule the Planning Board if an endangered species is discovered in the area.

“We don’t take a formal vote on it until Natural Heritage is done,” Johnson said. “They have the ability to change our decision.”

Tuesday’s meeting was also to include project updates from Stephen O’Connell of Andrews Survey & Engineering, Inc. However, board members adjourned the meeting when O’Connell failed to appear 35 minutes after the hearing’s scheduled start.

“I personally think this is disrespectful,” Bailey said.

The public hearing was continued to Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Rochester Senior Center.