LEOMINSTER — A request from National Grid to install a new pole on Marguerite Avenue was delayed during the April 27 Leominster City Council meeting after councilors raised concerns about whether the pole could interfere with truck access to a nearby loading dock.
Petition 39-26 requests permission for Massachusetts Electric Company, doing business as National Grid, to install one singly owned midspan pole on Marguerite Avenue, approximately 197 feet west of the intersection of Marguerite Avenue and Lancaster Street. The pole would support a future solar customer or battery-storage project at 259 Lancaster Street.
During the meeting, Lenny Martinez, representing National Grid, said the company was “looking to install poll 259” to support “a future, I would assume, solar field because it is a solar customer or battery storage” at the site. Martinez said he had spoken with Eric Hansen, owner of Auto Shower Carwash, who was concerned the proposed pole could affect access to a neighboring business’ loading dock.
Ward 5 Councilor Carrie Noseworthy said she visited the site that day and was concerned about the turning radius needed by trucks serving the business.
“Where his loading dock is across the street, I don’t know, you know, what the trucks need to do as far as their turning radius,” Noseworthy said. “Mr. Hansen was able to say that they use 18 wheelers.”
Hansen, who was in attendance at the meeting, also raised a notification concern, saying the adjacent property owner may not have received notice of the hearing.
“According to this map, I am not the adjacent property owner,” Hansen said to the council. “The adjacent property owner, Simon [Braune] from Grove Products.” Hansen said he had spoken with Simon earlier that day and was appearing on his behalf because Simon could not attend the meeting.
Councilor At Large Brandon Robbins asked city staff to confirm who had been notified about the petition before the next meeting and, if Simon had not been notified, determine whether he should have received notice.
The public hearing was kept open so National Grid could follow up with the business owner and so councilors could receive more information before deciding whether to move the petition forward.
