Other communities that have allowed solar arrays in residential zones have adopted regulations specific to those projects,
HATFIELD — Neighbors of farmland targeted as the site of a solar array have filed suit in Hampshire County Land Court seeking a restraining order against the project and the granting of a building permit.
Citizens Energy Corp., a Boston-based non-profit company founded by Joseph P. Kennedy II, has proposed building the array on some 45 acres off Chestnut Street owned by Szawlowski Realty Trust. Abutters and others living near the property have raised concerns with the town’s Planning Board, saying Hatfield has no zoning bylaws that sufficiently address the regulation of such projects.
Last month, 20 of those neighbors filed a suit asking the court to halt the project and to prohibit the town’s building inspector from giving Citizens Energy a building permit.
Attorney Michael Pill, who represents the plaintiffs, said Monday that Citizens Energy could circumvent the public hearing process by obtaining a building permit.
“You can’t just waltz in and get a building permit,” Pill said.
Other communities that have allowed solar arrays in residential zones have adopted regulations specific to those projects, Pill said. In particular, he cited zoning adopted by Holliston, which he said he has provided to Hatfield officials.
Hatfield Town Attorney William O’Neil could not be reached for comment Monday, nor could Northampton lawyer Patrick Melnick, who represents Szawlowski Realty.
Citizens Energy is developing a number of solar and wind projects throughout the country. The non-profit company uses its revenues for fuel assistance to the needy and other charitable purposes, according to a spokesman.
The company could not be reached on Monday, but spokesman Brian O’Connor has said that the solar array in Hatfield would generate enough electricity to power 400 homes.