The Rindge Zoning Board of Adjustment approved variances for a new pet crematory business and a farm solar array at Tuesday night’s meeting.
During a virtual meeting on Tuesday, the Zoning Board met with Erin Lovett, who’s proposed constructing a 2,400-square foot pet crematory on 19 Owen Way, a 14-acre property located off Route 119.
The property is located in the town’s village district, which does allow businesses, but only businesses of a certain type, such as restaurants and small shops that fit in the village district nature.
The board vacillated on whether a pet crematory fit that definition but ultimately decided that because the property is large and isolated from what most people would consider the village proper, it wouldn’t have any impact on the “village character.”
Lovett argued that the types of businesses the board is looking for in the district – antique shops, bakeries, small retailers or restaurants, for example – wouldn’t survive if they opened on the property, because it is so out of the way of the main thoroughfare. But it is “accessible for the public’s needs but still discreet” for a specialty business such as her pet crematory.
She also argued that pet crematories are considered a veterinary service, which are often allowed in rural or agricultural zones, and aren’t out of character for such districts.
The board ultimately agreed that being so isolated dispelled any concerns about whether the business was within the village character.
“It’s such an isolated piece of land, far away from the shops and traditional village center. That’s the only saving factor,” said Zoning Board member Marcia Breckenridge, who said she would “absolutely not” be in favor of the same proposal if it was on the roadway or in proximity to other village businesses or residences.
Several board members said they didn’t necessarily have issue with Lovett’s proposal, but were concerned about granting a variance which would allow possibly a much larger pet cremation business to move onto the property in the future. The board ultimately agreed to grant the variance, but to place two restrictions, limiting the size of the business building to the proposed 2,400 square feet, and limiting the operating hours between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The Zoning Board also unanimously approved a variance for ReVision Energy to place a solar array within the 50-foot setback from the road at Rindge’s Sun Moon Farm.
The farm, located on Thomas Road, would be home to a large, 95-kilowatt ground array. Farms in the area have purchased shares of the energy produced by the array, which will allow them to pay 20 percent less than their current energy costs for the first six years, until the array is paid for, and receive the energy for free after that.
The Zoning Board received overwhelming community support for allowing the array within the setback. There are other places on the farm it could go, representatives of the project explained, but it would require the use of state-designated prime farmland soil.
“This is an opportunity to help farms be more viable while protecting valuable soils in our region,” said Amanda Littleton, the district manager for the Cheshire County Conservation District.
Neighbors of the farm said the project had their full support, and they didn’t mind the encroachment into the setback. The farm’s nearest neighbor, Dan Bissex, said even if the array was set further back, outside of the 50-foot setback, it wouldn’t change his view of it, and there was no reason not to let the project move ahead.
“That’s a fantastic farm and it’s a fantastic project. They’re great people. We approve 100 percent,” agreed Ron Osimo of Rindge.
“I see no problem with this in the neighborhood and as a long-time Rindge resident I totally support this initiative,” added another neighbor, Richard Mellor.
The board was also provided a petition with 86 signatures from Rindge residents in support of the array and allowing it to be constructed within the setback. No dissenters offered any objections during Tuesday’s meeting.
The board agreed the array did not damage the character of the neighborhood or otherwise negatively affect the surrounding area.
“I think from my perspective, this is an easy one,” Zoning Board Chair George Carmichael said. “Everyone seems to be on board with this.”
The board unanimously granted the variance.