The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office has announced an agreement that paves the way for a solar energy facility on a brownfield site in Great Barrington.The agreement allows for the development of a 12-acre, 2.5 megawatt solar facility at the former Rising Paper mill off of Park Street. Town Manager Jennifer Tabakin says a net metering agreement between the developer, the town and Berkshire Hills Regional School District will save Great Barrington about $150,000 in energy costs annually.
“Then it’s going to be back on the tax rolls,” Tabakin said. “So we are also receiving new property tax revenue.”
The agreement places a conservation restriction with public access to the remaining 45 acres preserving space along the Housatonic River. Tabakin says that area will be transferred to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council.
