Farmington’s Solar Saga Continues: James Yao’s Front Yard Solar Array Faces More Scrutiny
By Jack Beckett
The Farmington Mercury
As Farmington’s zoning meetings go, the ongoing saga surrounding James Yao’s ambitious solar panel project at 115 Town Farm Road has been one of the most controversial. At the September 23rd, 2024, Farmington Town Plan and Zoning Commission meeting, Yao once again presented updates on his plan to install a 35-panel ground-mounted solar array in his front yard, sparking further debate among neighbors and commissioners. For those following the story, this builds on the earlier Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, where the initial variance was approved.
Yao’s project has become the flashpoint for a much larger discussion about sustainability, aesthetics, and how Farmington evolves into a town often split between preserving suburban charm and embracing green energy. The stakes were raised further after David Kovich, Yao’s neighbor at 117 Town Farm Road, objected to the project’s potential impact on local property values.
The Latest Chapter: Berms, Trees, and Solar Arrays
During the meeting, James Yao explained how he had worked to meet the conditions the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) laid out in the previous meeting. As part of the approval, Yao was required to mitigate the array’s visibility by adding a berm and planting mature arborvitae trees along the property line.
“I’ve already spoken with a local landscaper to get the ball rolling,” Yao said during his remarks. “I’m committed to reducing the visual impact of the array, and I want to ensure the design is as seamless as possible for the neighbors.”
The commissioners, including Robert Canto, were mainly concerned with the visual impact of the installation. “It’s a 62-foot solar array in the front yard,” Canto noted, pausing for effect. “I think it’s fair for the neighbors to feel like this is a pretty significant structure.”
David Saint Germain echoed similar concerns: “We want to support renewable energy, absolutely. But we also want to be mindful of the fact that this is a residential area. We need to make sure this fits in with the neighborhood’s character.”
The Neighbor’s Response: Property Values and Aesthetic Concerns
At the heart of the opposition remains Yao’s immediate neighbor, David Kovich, who has been vocal about his reservations since the very beginning. While not present at this meeting, Kovich submitted a follow-up letter read aloud by Shannon Rutherford, Director of Planning.
“The berm and trees are a step in the right direction,” the letter read, “but it doesn’t change the fact that we’re talking about a massive, industrial-looking structure being built in what’s otherwise a quiet, suburban neighborhood. This will absolutely affect the aesthetic appeal of our homes and potentially lower property values.”
While Kovich had expressed willingness to compromise in previous discussions, the core of his concern remains the sheer size and visibility of the solar array. He even suggested that Yao explore other renewable energy options, such as upgrading his electrical line or investing in propane energy systems.
“We’ve lived here for decades, and this is just a jarring change to the landscape,” Kovich previously said in an emotional statement during the earlier September 16th ZBA meeting.
Commission’s Deliberation: Walking the Line Between Progress and Preservation
For the Farmington Zoning Commission, this isn’t just about one project—it’s about setting a precedent for how the town handles future renewable energy projects. The commission has generally supported green energy efforts but remains keenly aware of the aesthetic impacts on residential areas.
Scott Halstead, the commission chair, summarized the issue: “The fact is, we have to balance the need for sustainable energy with the concerns of our community members. We can’t ignore the fact that this array will be obvious. The berm and trees are a start, but is it enough?”
The commission appreciated Yao’s commitment to working with town staff to finalize the landscaping details, but several commissioners, including Liz Sanford, pressed for more specifics. “It’s great that you’re working on this, but we need to see a clear plan in writing that ensures this won’t be an eyesore.”
Yao reiterated his willingness to cooperate: “I want to be a good neighbor. I understand the concerns, and I will do whatever I can to address them, whether that’s planting more trees, adjusting the berm height, or adding additional screening.”
The Outcome: An Ongoing Process
The commission ultimately decided to keep the project moving forward but emphasized the importance of ongoing oversight. The final approval for the solar array stands, but James Yao must return to the commission to confirm the effectiveness of the berm and tree screening once they are installed.
As Mike Tucci noted toward the end of the meeting: “We’re charting new territory here. As more people move toward solar and other renewable energy options, this is going to become more common. The key is finding ways to do it that work for everyone.”
The case of 115 Town Farm Road is shaping up to be a significant marker in Farmington’s zoning history. The town is walking a delicate line between supporting green energy and maintaining its suburban charm, with this project serving as a blueprint for how future proposals will be handled.
As Bruce Polsky said in his closing remarks, “Farmington is evolving. How we handle this today will influence how we approach similar projects in the years to come.”
For a full recap of how we got here, including the tense exchanges and community debate, check out our detailed coverage, “Farmington’s Solar Saga: Neighbors Clash Over 62-Foot ‘Space Laser’ in Front Yard.”
What Comes Next?
The saga of 115 Town Farm Road isn’t over just yet. Yao still has hurdles to evident, especially with the aesthetic improvements that must be verified. With neighbors like David Kovich still raising concerns, it’s clear the debate will continue, shaping the town’s future zoning and sustainability efforts.
Stay tuned to The Farmington Mercury for ongoing updates as this story unfolds.
Want to know more about zoning and renewable energy in Farmington? Check out our in-depth election coverage here, and follow along with our zoning stories, from signs to solar, here.
For real-time updates and the chance to chime in on future zoning decisions, follow us on Twix (Twitter + X) at WeFarmington. We’re always listening! 👂
👋 Jack Beckett, your local zoning fan and master of solar panel politics. As always, I’ll be stationed at the nearest coffee shop, sipping my latte while trying to make sense of lumens, berms, and solar arrays. See you at the next meeting—coffee in hand!
