The city’s Planning Department has informed Hope Farm Solar LLC that the chain link fencing being installed along the Hope Road side of the solar array does not conform to the conditions set forth when the project was approved four years ago. The fence is to be black vinyl chain link. As the project is in the process of construction and the ground is wet, the city expects it may be some time before the situation is remedied. There is no mention of barbed wire in the conditions, so that may be staying. Meanwhile, further exposing the solar farm, National Grid “buzz sawed” brush and growth between the stonewall bordering the road and the fence which was to have been left untouched, said City Planner Jason Pezzullo. He called the action regrettable, but pointed out that new growth and re-growth should provide a buffer. (Herald photos)