Bourne Planning Board Meeting – April 9, 2026: Solar Canopy/BESS and Auto Detailing Shop Approvals
Bourne Planning Board Meeting – April 9, 2026
The Bourne Planning Board met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 7:05 PM. The meeting was recorded for live broadcast and televised replay. The board approved the minutes from March 26, 2026, and then considered two applications: a solar photovoltaic canopy and battery energy storage system at 170 Clay Pond Road, and a site plan review and special permit for an auto detailing shop and parking reconfiguration at 280 MacArthur Boulevard. Both applications were approved unanimously with conditions.
Consent Calendar
- Meeting Minutes (March 26, 2026): Motion to accept as printed by Jim, seconded by Mandy. Approved unanimously (5-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Neighbor Concern (Fence Repair): A board member acknowledged a neighbor’s concern about the perimeter fence along Water Lane at the 170 Clay Pond Road property. The applicant (Next Grid Holdings LLC) committed to repairing the fence within 30 days of approval.
Discussion Items
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170 Clay Pond Road – Solar Canopy and BESS: Applicant Next Grid Holdings LLC, represented by Nathan Collins (CLC Design), proposed installing solar photovoltaic canopy structures (two carports) and a battery energy storage system (BESS) at an existing self-storage facility. The total system is just under 1100 kW DC with a 499 kW AC nameplate, and a 1.5 MW BESS (two 750 kW cabinets). The carports would cover existing parking without reducing parking spaces, and water drainage would be maintained through panel gaps. The board discussed: fire department access (plan submitted that day), lighting (none proposed), height (low point 15 ft above grade, high point ~21-22 ft), and the applicant’s commitment to repair the fence within 30 days. The board also noted that the fire department had not yet formally signed off on access, but the revised plan was submitted. No public comments from the audience.
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280 MacArthur Boulevard – Auto Detailing Shop and Parking Reconfiguration: Applicant J Entman Real Estate LLC, represented by Don Bracken (Bracken Engineering), along with team members from Falma Toyota, proposed a 9,936 sq ft one-story metal building for auto detailing, with 10 employees maximum, and reconfiguration of the existing vehicle storage lot. The site is in the B4 zoning district. The board discussed crosswalk relocation (from diagonal to perpendicular, with better visibility and signage), landscaping (rain garden, irrigation, tree species), a three-year maintenance plan, and the need for detailed specifications. The applicant noted that the existing gravel lot west of the property (owned by the golf course) would not be used for storage, and no connection to that lot would be made. The board also addressed water/wastewater: all washing occurs inside, with a holding tank that is pumped out. The project will combine two lots into one.
Key Outcomes
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170 Clay Pond Road – Solar Canopy and BESS: Motion to approve site plan review (SPR 519) with conditions, including: compliance with all town bylaws; decommissioning surety (up to 125% of removal cost, with 2% yearly inflation); fire department coordination; labeling of canopies and BESS cabinets; staking of disturbed work area; possible third-party review; as-built plan; and fence repair within 30 days of approval. Motion by Amanda, seconded by Jim (with amendment for fence condition). Vote: 5-0 in favor.
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280 MacArthur Boulevard – Auto Detailing Shop: Motion to approve site plan/special permit with conditions: supersedes prior special permit (2014); fire department coordination; health/water district confirmation; as-built plan; crosswalk relocated perpendicular with visible markings and signage; final plan to include grass/landscaping specifications; three-year maintenance plan for plantings and irrigation. Motion by Mandy, seconded by Jim. Vote: 5-0 in favor.
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Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Jim, seconded by Liz. Vote: 5-0. Meeting adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
Yeah, although that's for the town meeting, but we we this meeting is being recorded. I'm on the I'm on the board for both ever been. Yeah. This is my last term. I know. Can you hear us? Catherine, can you hear us? I don't know. Yes, two fingers for now. Can you hear us, Catherine? Can you hear now? She just went off. Or she might be trying to come back. Okay, it was a good calculated. Very sensitive. You know, like they keep shutting it in my band phase. I'm like, you know, if I want it, I'll go get it. Thanks. Here, let me help you. Here, let me help you. Here, let me help you. It kind of reminds me of like clippy. Can I help you? Do you need to help me? Can she hear us now? I think so. Catherine? Hello, how are you? Oh, hello, how are you? So strange I had two zooms open. Oh. Oh, interesting. We all good. All right, there we're going to be able to do that. Okay. It being Thursday, April 9th, 2026, 705 p.m. Uh just want to uh let you know that this planning board meeting is being recorded for live broadcast and televised replay by Bourne TV. If anyone is audio or visual recording, please acknowledge at this time. Hearing seeing none, all items within the meeting agenda are subject to deliberation and votes. We will call to order open session. Starting with our meeting minutes from 326. Mr. Chairman, I make a motion we accept the minutes as print as printed. Motion to accept as printed by Jim. Second from Mandy. Anyone have any comments or questions? Okay. We take a vote. Uh vote is to approve the minutes. Yes.
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