Politics & Government

City Proposes Solar Farm for Former Landfill

Officials begin process of making solar farm a reality on Merrimac Street.

What was once a dumping ground, could soon be a source of renewable energy.

The Merrimac Street landfill, used as a dump from 1966 to 1985, was cleaned and capped between 1999 and 2006. Now, 40 acres of land is just waiting to be used.

And some would like to use it to harness solar power.  

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“The use of the Woburn landfill as a solar farm is not a new idea,” said Alderman Michael Raymond at the Tuesday City Council meeting.

The idea was first discussed in 2004, and again in 2007. Currently, the city has a Solar Farm Team made up of Mayor Scott Galvin, Purchasing Agent Sarah Stanton, Planning Board Director Ed Tarallo, Alderman Richard Gately and Raymond.

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“It’s a city of Woburn project,” emphasized Raymond Tuesday. “It’s not a Mayor Galvin project, a Mike Raymond project. It’s a city of Woburn project.”

According to residentialsolarpanels.org, solar farms use the sun for energy, using energy effectively and with less cost. The site continues, "The sun’s energy is collected by using mirrors and solar panels placed throughout the property to direct light to other areas of the farm where they can then be used for electricity."

“It’s the right thing to do,” said Raymond. “This will be a good legacy to leave for our grandchildren.”

The solar farm proposal will be heard in both Planning Board and City Council committee meetings during the summer. It will then be discussed at a City Council public hearing Sept. 6. 


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