Due to multiple parts needing more information, the Wiscasset planning board Monday night found Central Maine Power’s application incomplete. A complete one is needed before there can be a public hearing on the proposed transmission line upgrade.

Another site plan reviewed in the Zoom meeting was from MSD Wiscasset LLC on the proposed solar project at Wiscasset Municipal Airport. Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission’s Emily Rabbe reviewed both applications for completeness and presented detailed memos stating items to address.

Cole Peters of POWER Engineers Inc., presenting on CMP’s behalf, showed a repeat of the presentation from the previous meeting and then went through each section referenced on the LCRPC memo. The application was missing items including the cost estimate, construction schedule and another land survey. CMP will have to provide these items at the next meeting or apply for waivers. Peters assures one resident, all work for the project would be within the existing CMP right of way and no additional land would need to be acquired.

Chad Chahbazi of Cenergy and Stephen Barrett of Barrett Energy Resources Group presented for MSD Wiscasset LLC on the proposed five megawatt solar project. They noted they have been working on it since 2019 and just received final permit approvals from the state. A question on the town ballot for June 8 will ask voters if they approve of selectmen entering into negotiations for the lease of the property; the LLC will need approval on the site plan review application from the planning board and approval of the warrant article from voters to move forward.

Resident Ed Polewarczyk had many questions and concerns including if the project would be adequately financed and actually get up and running. Chahbazi said, “We’ve had zero project default…and we have $100 million in bonding capacity.” And on the cutting of 20 acres of timber, Chahbazi said: “We have no stake in the timber and we will gladly give that value to the town and help facilitate it…that's what we've done with other Maine landowners.”

The board found the application complete with the condition that the construction schedule be provided the following morning. A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. May 24 via Zoom. Board members will conduct a site walk May 18. The next regular board meeting will follow the May 24 hearing.