Blandford Planning Board Tables Two Solar-Linked Subdivision Plans Pending Legal Review

BLANDFORD — November 4, 2025 — Blandford Planning Board tables two surprise subdivision filings tied to active solar applications, with a November 25 permit deadline looming. The board voted unanimously to table preliminary subdivision plans for 89 Chester Road and Huntington Road, both submitted by People's Brook LLC doing business as Blue Wave on land still deeded to landowner Lloyd Martin and his wife Mary. Aaron of Blue Wave, appearing by phone, confirmed the filings were intended to separate residential parcels from the solar lease areas but acknowledged the submissions also trigger a zoning freeze under Massachusetts subdivision law — locking in current solar bylaws for up to eight years if a definitive plan is filed within seven months. Board members called the filings "a blind side" and said they needed written legal explanation from Blue Wave, missing authorization documentation from the Martins, and input from the highway, fire, health, and police departments before any acceptance clock could start. The board scheduled a follow-up meeting for November 11 focused exclusively on drafting conditions for the People's Brook solar permit decision, which must be rendered by November 25.