Leominster Planning Board Approves Maple Ave Solar Array, Sets Willow Street Lot Count

LEOMINSTER — May 4, 2026 — Leominster Planning Board approves Maple Avenue solar array and sets 26-lot ceiling for Willow Street subdivision. The board unanimously approved a site plan and special permit for a ground-mounted solar installation at 121 Maple Ave, granting 13 waivers from site plan and solar ordinance requirements to applicant Jerry Isaacs of Bright Panic Solar. On a more contentious matter, the board also voted to approve a traditional grid preliminary subdivision plan for Willow Street brought by Chris Anderson of Whirlwind Capital LLC, setting a baseline of 26 residential lots on currently undeveloped woodland — but members made clear they expect the applicant to return with a modified open space plan reducing that count by at least four lots and adding a second means of egress, including an emergency access road. The police department formally requested two driveways for public safety, and the fire department flagged inadequate cul-de-sac turning radii for its trucks. "I'm always concerned when I don't see a second access," one board member said during deliberation. The developer has until May 18 to receive a final decision on the preliminary plan.