LINCOLNVILLE — A change in venue was in order as an over-capacity crowd tried to squeeze into the Linconville Town Office to consider a proposed solar energy project. Selectmen quickly took action and moved the Oct. 11 to the Lincolnville Center School gymnasium, but not before Tom Ford was elected and sworn in as moderator.

Voters were asked if they wanted the town to enter into an agreement with ReVision Energy of Portland to install a solar energy power facility, via a license on town land next to the center fire station.

After a short question and answer session that included not one negative comment, a unanimous vote was in favor of passing the warrant was given by attendees.

After a motion to vote was made and seconded, Moderator Ford asked for questions from the voters.

One resident voiced from the crowd, "let's vote," and another voiced, "why would anybody be against it."

The unanimous vote clears the way for ReVision Energy to be granted a license to install a 43.4-kilowatt solar electric array on approximately one-quarter-acre of town land adjacent to the fire station, with a maximum 30-year lease. The town would purchase electricity from ReVision at an agreed-upon price for six years, and the town would have the option to purchase and operate the equipment in year seven.

The electricity would cover approximately 90 percent of the town's needs for its public buildings, including the fire station, town office, the sand/salt storage building and the Breezemere Park bandstand, as well as the town buildings along Route 1 at the beach, including the fire station there, as well as lighting at the beach, the harbor and the town pier.

There are two contingencies with the warrant: One was to pass it through quickly to start construction before the ground freezes for the winter and to be able to take advantage of tax credits before year’s end.

A public hearing will be scheduled for the next select board meeting to give the voters an opportunity to discuss and fully understand the economic implications and the implications of the long term agreement with ReVision Energy.

Moderator Ford said he was impressed with the town voters and administration of Lincolnville.

“Moving projects like this forward and the turn-out tonight for a special town meeting this was incredible. I think it speaks well to the select board, as well as the energy committee working diligently on this for the last four or five months.”

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