UPDATE: The Bennington Planning Commission has just voted unanimously against a controversial zoning change request from Allco Renewable Energy LTD, a proposal that has lingered for over 12 years. This significant decision, made on October 12, 2023, could have lasting implications for the future of the 27.3 acres in the Apple Hill area.
The request aimed to rezone the property from a Rural Conservation District to a Rural Residential Zone, which would open the door for a wider range of development projects, including potential housing. However, Planning Commission Chair Evan Yadeski stated that the proposal does not meet essential town policy criteria, asserting, “The proposed zone change will result in substantial benefit to the community as a whole.”
During the hearing, residents expressed deep concerns over the potential impacts of large commercial solar facilities on the scenic hillside, a recurrent issue as Allco has sought approvals for solar arrays in the past. Local resident and Apple Hill Homeowners Association president Bill Knight highlighted, “What benefit does the town get if you change it to residential? The only thing it is going to help is if Melone wants to use that for solar.”
The commission’s decision reflects ongoing community resistance to the developer’s plans. The property, owned by PLH Vineyard Sky, LLC, is closely tied to Allco’s previous attempts to establish solar projects of 2-megawatt capacity or larger, which faced multiple rejections from the state Public Utility Commission.
Despite pressing from the commission, Allco’s representative, Rodney Galton, admitted that there is currently no specific project planned for the site, insisting the zoning change is necessary because the current conservation requirements are too restrictive. Residents, however, suspect that the request is merely a step towards future commercial solar projects.
Planning Commission member Kenneth Swierad urged for transparency, stating, “They’ve got to be open about [it]. I would not just say, carte blanche, go ahead and do it.” Residents like Dianna Leazer echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the request appears to be a case of “spot zoning” that favors the developer without clear community benefits.
After a thorough discussion, the commission voted to recommend the Select Board deny the proposal “as currently presented,” although they indicated openness to reconsideration if more details emerge from Allco. The Select Board is set to hold a required hearing on this matter, where community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions once again.
As the situation unfolds, residents of Apple Hill remain vigilant. Many are determined to protect their scenic landscape from what they view as unwelcome commercial intrusion. The decision by the Planning Commission marks a pivotal moment in this long-standing battle over land use and community character in Bennington.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story progresses and the Select Board prepares to address the community’s concerns.
