Solar Project at Hickory Ridge set to begin construction, creating local jobs and empowering the region with local, affordable, clean energy.
Project Mobilization
This courtesy notice is being sent to inform local residents and stakeholders in the Town of Amherst (“Town”) that the Fort River Solar 2, LLC (“FRS2”) Solar Project, managed by Amp Solar Development Inc. (“Amp”) is set to begin construction in the coming weeks.
The project has been permitted through the Amherst Zoning Board of Appeals and the Conservation Commission. The project has been designed outside of critical natural resource areas on the site.
The solar site is located at 191 West Pomeroy Lane, Amherst, MA 01002. *FRS2, along with the site contractor, Dynamic Energy, will be constructing a 3.83 MWac solar project. Once the mobilization date is finalized, we will provide an additional update with more details around what to expect, safety notices, and points of contact for the construction period.
History of Site
The Town of Amherst acquired the 150-acre former Hickory Ridge golf course in March 2022. The purchase represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a large parcel of land to use for conservation, recreation, and the production of green energy. The Town and Amp have worked in partnership to plan for the construction and operation of an approximately 26-acre solar project. The solar array exemplifies Amp and the Town's commitment to renewable energy. The remaining land utilization will benefit the community with the addition of recreational use and walking trails, while exemplifying conservation efforts around the beautiful woodland habitat along the Fort River. The Town and Amp look forward to the on-going partnership on this unique project as together we demonstrate sound land stewardship and a commitment to renewable energy production in Massachusetts.
While access to some parts of the site will be limited during construction, the Town and Amp are committed to public access at Hickory Ridge as an important area for walking, wildlife viewing, and connecting neighborhoods previously disconnected by the golf course. To that end, the Town and Amp are working together to restore nearly 18-acres of riparian habitat along the Fort River to improve habitat and water quality. Likewise, the Town has received over half a million dollars in local and state funds to build a trail system to increase recreation opportunities and connectivity around the site. The trail system will utilize newly developed trails, the existing cart paths, and the access road used by Amp to access the solar array.
About Amp
Amp builds, owns and operates community solar farms, empowering energy customers across the US with the ability to choose local, affordable, clean energy.
With 149 projects under management, they've helped thousands of customers switch to clean energy and save on their annual electricity bills.
Unlike many renewable developers, they own and operate their community solar farms for their entire lifetime, placing high priority on working together with landowners, towns and other local stakeholders to ensure a valuable, long-term partnership in the fight against climate change.
Across their Massachusetts state portfolio, consisting of 25 separate projects, their solar farms are helping local farmers maximize or repurpose their land, while creating hundreds of local jobs.
For more information: please contact: communitysolar@amp.energy or the Town Manager’s Office at townmanager@amherstma.gov
*A correction was made to the original statement on February 9th, it previoulsy read "The Town and FRS2, along with the site contractor, Dynamic Energy, will be constructing a 3.83 MWac community solar project." the words in bold were removed to correct an error.