Delaware to vote on solar moratorium

Planning board promotes commercial moratorium

ISABEL BRAVERMAN
Posted 4/18/18

HORTONVILLE, NY — The Town of Delaware Town Board is tasked with voting on whether or not to enact a one-year solar moratorium on all commercial solar farms in the town. The idea of a …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Delaware to vote on solar moratorium

Planning board promotes commercial moratorium

Posted

HORTONVILLE, NY — The Town of Delaware Town Board is tasked with voting on whether or not to enact a one-year solar moratorium on all commercial solar farms in the town. The idea of a moratorium was proposed by the town’s planning board at the town board meeting in March.

At this month’s meeting on April 11, the town board discussed the pros and cons of a moratorium. Supervisor Ed Sykes said he has taken a deep look into solar energy systems and attended four meetings on the matter. “Whatever anybody thinks, solar is coming,” Sykes said. He said he does not agree with the moratorium.

Other council members asked for the thoughts of some of the members of the planning board who were in attendance. The planning board thinks that the way the code is written now is flawed. They believe that the law needs to be tweaked. They believe, for instance, that the number of solar projects in the town needs to be limited.

As of now, there are already two solar projects approved in the town, spearheaded by the company Delaware River Solar, which has projects all across New York State. In Callicoon, the Baer Road project is completed, and the Hospital Road project has yet to break ground. The Baer Road project was lauded by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. According to Solar Power World, the project is the largest community solar project in New York State.

“An investment in renewable energy is an investment in the future and sustainability of New York’s environment, and the overall health of this state,” Gov. Cuomo said. “This Sullivan County project will deliver energy savings to residents throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley region, while supporting the establishment of a cleaner, greener New York for all.”

There will be a public hearing on the matter at the next town board meeting on May 9 at 6:45 p.m.

hortonville

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here