Question and Submission History
Original questions and earlier responses, linked to the consolidated answer bank.
This history preserves the anonymized wording and earlier written responses in the imported project records. Earlier responses may describe a previous design or contain wording now under review. Use the linked consolidated question for the current response status.
A source record can contain several questions. These records are not a count of individual submissions or people. Original messages and dates are still being reconciled; this history does not establish that every project submission has been captured.
Showing 4 of 211 source records
Charlton Select Board Meeting · April 14, 2026What happened to the zoning district overlay petition that was proposed two years ago?
Earlier published response
In April 2024, ESA petitioned the Charlton Planning Board for an Energy Storage Overlay District. We withdrew the petition shortly after to align with the Planning Board's timeline and wait for the state's consolidated Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) permitting rules to be finalized.
How the issues were handled
A written response is recorded. Sending an individual reply, considering feedback, and making a design change require separate evidence.
- Does the state override local zoning?
Individual reply: not confirmed. Consideration: not recorded. Design change: not confirmed.
Community Public Forum · September 30, 2026Does the state process override local zoning?
Earlier published response
Charlton's bylaw limits battery projects to 5 megawatts, and this one is 150. Because of its size, the project is reviewed by the state board, which can issue a consolidated approval covering some local permits. We know many residents object to that, and we have written it down.
How the issues were handled
A written response is recorded. Sending an individual reply, considering feedback, and making a design change require separate evidence.
- Does the state override local zoning?
Individual reply: not confirmed. Consideration: not recorded. Design change: not confirmed.
Website and email · July 15, 2026, 8:37 AM ETI received the card from ESA yesterday for the 7-8 meeting. Apologies notwithstanding, that's unacceptable. I attended that meeting, stayed for 45 minutes and had to leave. There was no organized presentation or Q&A. I am strongly opposed to these projects primarily due to the State's permitting bypassing zoning and environmental laws.
Earlier written draft (answers as of October 7, 2026)
The mailer. The July mailer arrived late for many residents, and ESA has apologized for that. Notices for the September 30 meeting were mailed in late August, and a month's notice is committed for future public meetings.
The July 8 meeting. Residents have asked for a more organized presentation with time for questions at public meetings. The September 30 meeting was held in two scheduled sessions with a presentation and question time. Residents also asked for longer meetings, technical experts in the room, and a different venue, and those requests are being taken into account for future meetings.
Zoning. Charlton's bylaw limits battery projects to 5 megawatts, and this one is 150. Because of its size, the project is reviewed by the state's Energy Facilities Siting Board, which can issue a consolidated approval covering some local permits. Many residents object to that, and the objection is recorded. The state process includes public comment and hearings, and the town can take part.
How the issues were handled
A written response is recorded. Sending an individual reply, considering feedback, and making a design change require separate evidence.
- Does the state override local zoning?
Individual reply: not confirmed. Consideration: not recorded. Design change: not confirmed. - When is the next public meeting? Will it be longer, elsewhere, with experts?
Individual reply: not confirmed. Consideration: not recorded. Design change: not confirmed.
Website and email · October 2, 2026, 10:26 PM ETWe do not want this project or its associated presence in our town. Our community does not need or support it, and we believe it places an unnecessary burden on local residents. We are deeply concerned that the decisions being made by our government are disregarding the interests and concerns of our community. In particular, we believe these policies are imposing significant costs and consequences on our town without sufficient consideration for the people who live here. This is not what our community asked for, and we deserve to have our voices heard and our local interests respected
Earlier written draft (answers as of October 7, 2026)
The comment is recorded in the engagement log. Charlton's bylaw limits battery projects to 5 megawatts, and this one is 150, so the state's Energy Facilities Siting Board reviews it and can issue a consolidated approval covering some local permits. Many residents object to that, and the objection is recorded. The state process includes public comment and hearings, and the town can take part. Residents can comment on the draft Community Benefits Plan into 2027, and every comment receives a written response.
How the issues were handled
A written response is recorded. Sending an individual reply, considering feedback, and making a design change require separate evidence.
- Is this going ahead whether we like it or not? How do we stop it?
Individual reply: not confirmed. Consideration: not recorded. Design change: not confirmed. - Does the state override local zoning?
Individual reply: not confirmed. Consideration: not recorded. Design change: not confirmed. - Will our feedback change anything?
Individual reply: not confirmed. Consideration: not recorded. Design change: not confirmed.