May 18, 2026
Members present: Mark Fiorentino, Margaret Chapple, Kimberly Becker, Frederick Moffa and Student Liaison Madeline Ayotte. Absent member: Mark Neumann. Also present: Town Manager Michael Walsh, Director of Finance Kimi Cheng, Tax Collector Kendra Green, Betsy Mazzotta.
Neighborhood Assistance Act Application
The board reviewed the annual Neighborhood Assistance Act application process, through which the town reviews and endorses applications before forwarding them to the state. The town received one application from the Friends of Holcomb Farms for HVAC and heating and cooling efficiency improvements associated with the church renovation project.
Executive Director Cat Kadrle, resident of 44 Day Street South, summarized the proposal that seeks funding to install a four-ton heat pump and related electrical components at the former First United Methodist Church building located at 87 Simsbury Road. It would replace the existing electric baseboard heating system. Kadrle noted that the project would qualify participating businesses for a 100 percent tax credit and clarified that heating and cooling work for the farm store had already been completed through the prior year’s NAA funding.
The state-run NAA program does not cost local taxpayers money, as qualifying organizations may redirect certain state income tax obligations toward approved community projects. Following brief discussion and no additional questions, the board approved the application and directed staff to complete the process before July 1.
New Collector of Revenue
The board welcomed Kendra Green Gilbert as the Collector of Revenue, and a swearing-in ceremony was held during which she was administered the oath of office.
Broadleaf Solar/Solar Nursery Granby Solar Farm Presentation
John Gravel, from Broad Leaf Solar, gave a presentation on its proposed utility-scale solar project, which is expected to formally enter the Connecticut Siting Council review process in July. The project has been under development for approximately two years, during which time the company conducted due diligence, gathered public and municipal feedback and refined the proposal. The project, located primarily on the former Monrovia nursery property in Granby and East Granby, would include approximately 400 acres of solar development across a 720-acre site and would generate enough clean energy to power roughly 14,000 homes. Broadleaf Solar highlighted anticipated benefits including new tax revenue, approximately 300 construction jobs, long-term site stewardship, environmental improvements and grid reliability enhancements.
Public Comment
R. Flanigan, 24 Woodcliff Drive, raised several technical and environmental questions about the Broadleaf Solar project, potential impacts to Salmon Brook and surrounding ecosystems.
M. Kramarenko, Notch Road, asked questions regarding the Broadleaf Solar project and raised safety concerns. Kramarenko stated he would submit additional questions in writing.
D. Anderson, Greenwoods Road, asked whether Broadleaf Solar’s reported $361,000 tax payment would be recurring or subject to reassessment in the future, referencing concerns about how that property’s tax status may change.
Fiorentino said that the payment appears to be a one-time amount related to a change in the property’s classification from farmland and is not expected to continue annually, noting that further clarification on ongoing tax treatment would follow as the project and agreements are finalized.