Select Board discusses blocking battery storage site

Select Board · Meeting of January 5, 2026

BARRE — The Barre Select Board discussed using its right of first refusal under Chapter 61A to block a battery energy storage facility on Wallinette Road. Resident Liz Martin warned the project would cause "a dramatic loss of property value" for neighbors near the roughly 140-acre parcel, tax-card valued at $268,000. Board member Richard Stevens said the project predates any town battery bylaw and could be exempt from future regulation, leaving 61A as the town's clearest tool.

Town Administrator Melanie Jackson reported an open meeting law complaint filed by Cory Bonbrady was ruled unfounded but cost the town about $1,568 to answer. The board also approved $6,345 for Senior Center acoustic repairs and set the annual town meeting for May 19, 2026.

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• Barre's community access TV: Select Board meeting, January 5, 2026
• The complete report: 1,020 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of January 5, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.