To the Editor,

Readers of this paper will be familiar with the controversial, commercial Natick Avenue solar project proposed back in 2018 by Revity Energy. The project proposes to clear-cut close to 30 acres of forest, blast ledge along a high-pressure gas line and eviscerate an eco-system to mount hundreds of solar panels. The power would be carried by a series of noise-producing transformers and over-sized, three-phase power poles running from the middle of the installation to and along Natick Avenue, then along Wilbur Ave and on and on for miles to reach and tie-in to the grid at the Laten Knight station.

A large group of concerned citizens have spent six full years passionately and intelligently fighting this project. There have been various wins and losses along the way. Most recently, after the City Plan Commission rejected the project, Revity Energy appealed to the Zoning Board who upheld the Commission’s decision. The developer then sued the City in Superior Court. The City responded and Citizens for Natick, joined in. Just before Labor Day, Judge Montalbano sent the project it back to the city, reversing the decision with the additional order that the project be approved and given immediate permission to move forward.

It is bad enough that this decision effectively removed the right of our municipality to govern itself and decide its own future, but the injury to Cranston has now been made worse. Mayor Hopkins has decided not to request review by the Rhode Island Supreme Court, instead leaving us, the citizens, to do so on our own.

Why does this matter? Why should you care?

Commissions and Boards are appointed volunteers who, as quasi-judicial bodies are a central tenet of local governance. We, as citizens, rely on their judgement and wisdom to represent us, and so does our city leadership. What does it communicate to us and to the members of these bodies if our Mayor and his administration refuse to defend us and them? Why would anyone want to serve? Why would we citizens continue to show up at public meetings and be heard if our voices and those of these boards and commissions prove insignificant and unworthy of defense?

This situation has another twist that makes everything much worse. Both Revity Energy and the leasing landowner are represented by local Attorney Robert Murray. Murray brings a great deal of business in front of the City; most often to the Plan Commission and the Zoning Board. He is also the mayor’s personal lawyer, sometimes spokesperson and campaign manager. These facts can only cause all of us to question the reasoning behind the Mayor’s decision to abandon his constituents and those who serve on our boards and commissions. What else can we glean from his inaction?

This week, Citizens for Natick Avenue will be doing our part to protect our community and our city’s governance by asking the Rhode Island Supreme Court to review Judge Montalbano’s decision on Natick Solar. As of this writing, we’ll be going it alone.

Drake Patten, Hurricane Hill Farm, Cranston

Editor’s Note: This letter was originally submitted on Sept. 28.