Lexington Select Board Backs Pine Meadows Solar Carport, Defers Muzzy Lot Decision

LEXINGTON — June 22, 2026 — Lexington Select Board unanimously backed a 160-kilowatt solar carport at Pine Meadows Golf Club and deferred a more contentious Muzzy Street parking lot solar proposal to September. At the June 22 meeting, the board directed staff to proceed with Option 4 at Pine Meadows — an estimated $800,000 carport projecting a 9.1-year payback and a net 30-year lifecycle benefit of roughly $2.1 million — using funds already appropriated at the 2024 Annual Town Meeting, with the Finance Department to determine whether to bond or spend cash. The Muzzy lot proposal, a 242-kilowatt system estimated at $1.2 million, split the board two to two, with Chair Jill Hay and member Doug Lucente calling the economics too uncertain: "I remain unconvinced that this is a practical return project," Hay said, citing the police station solar precedent in which Historic Districts Commission requirements drove per-watt costs from $7 to $14. Staff were directed to return in September with HDC posture data, Eversource hosting capacity confirmation, and an updated shadow study. The board also voted unanimously to approve a one-time drainage mitigation on the unaccepted Hayes Lane after homeowner Mr. Mraz documented repeated flooding at 16 Hayes Lane, and approved two Eversource grants of location for conduit work on Mass Avenue, Merriam Street, Depot Place, and Hartwell Avenue, contingent on completion of outstanding double-pole wire transfers per an Eversource letter dated June 12, 2026.