Planning Board continues solar hearing to Sept. 9
Wenham Planning Board continued a solar hearing and dug into sweeping new state zoning rules. The board voted unanimously to push the hearing on Solect Energy's proposed 91 Grapevine Road solar array to September 9, pending a response from National Grid.
Planning Board · Meeting of August 12, 2026
Wenham Planning Board continued a solar hearing and dug into sweeping new state zoning rules. The board voted unanimously to push the hearing on Solect Energy's proposed 91 Grapevine Road solar array to September 9, pending a response from National Grid. Member Dan Pasquarello reported that bankruptcy proceedings tied to the Penguin Hall property were dismissed, with an auction now set for September 2 and Cabot, Cabot & Forbes still a possible, uncommitted bidder.
Staff outlined new Chapter 40A requirements headed to town counsel for drafting, including a shift to a "practical difficulty" variance standard that one member called confusing, saying "life is hard, everything is practical difficulty." The board also heard an early concept for a 40Y "starter home" housing overlay near the Iron Rail property, capping homes at 1,850 square feet with a 10 percent affordability requirement.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,398 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of August 12, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Members read the rest of this story and every Essex County meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this story
Know someone in Essex County who follows town government? Share Townbrief Essex County: they can sign up free.