HDC approves solar at 65 Pulkhurst Road with conditions: black roof, driveway relocation and screening

The Historic District Commission approved a rooftop solar application at 65 Pulkhurst Road with conditions that the owner adopt a black roof finish, relocate the driveway to interrupt a direct sightline from Pulpus/Kelly roads, and install supplemental evergreen screening; the commission asked staff to memorialize the required changes as Exhibit A.

Tobias presented the applicant’s proposal and photographs. Commissioners said many island solar arrays visible from the farm are on rear roof planes and set back from traveled roads; this project’s proposed panels would be visible from Kelly and Pulpus roads unless mitigation was provided. Commissioners and staff discussed a previously approved hedgerow connected to a greenhouse application; the board concluded that hedgerow planting could be extended to help screen panels and that a revision to the driveway alignment would address the clearest diagonal view across the site.

Commissioner Ray proposed, and the board adopted, a motion to approve panels on both roof planes subject to three conditions: (1) the roof be a black finish, (2) the driveway be relocated per a marked Exhibit A to break the diagonal sightline from the public way, and (3) supplemental evergreen screening be installed (and aligned with an approved hedgerow where appropriate). The motion carried unanimously.

The commission recorded that the applicant may return with a landscape and driveway plan and that staff will verify compliance. Commissioners repeatedly reminded the board not to discuss applicant finances as a reason for relief, citing past appeal risk; the conditions center on visual mitigation only.