NextEra Energy reps promised about 75 could-be neighbors that they’re looking forward to a long partnership with the local community.
The best way to do that?
A 15-year PILOT totaling $24 million in payments.
That’s what Schoharie County Treasurer Bill Cherry told NextEra’s Kris Scornavacca and others at two open houses held Thursday at the Sharon Springs Fire house.
NextEra has proposed a 785-acre, 50 megawatt solar farm near the National Grid substation on Route 20 in the Town of Sharon; exactly where is still under study. (See related stories on page 23.)
Because of its size, the project is subject to state review—and approval—under what’s called Article 10.
Mr. Cherry’s argument is that because local input will be negligible under Article 10—two local reps alongside five officials from state agencies like DEC and the Health Department with siting largely determined by the state—a fair PILOT is the best way for NextEra to truly be part of the community and get by-in and support from local officials.
NextEra reps said in March they expect to pay more than $1 million a year in taxes and a PILOT—payment in lieu of taxes—if the project is approved, a figure in line with Mr. Cherry’s—at least to start.
Using the same calculations he’s used to negotiate at least eight other PILOTs, Mr. Cherry has the project paying $2.2 million in Year 15 before it becomes fully taxable.
“What if we can’t agree on a PILOT?” Mr. Cherry asked Mr. Scornavacca Thursday.
“We fully anticipate being able to work it out,” Mr. Scornavacca said, adding later, “We’re ready to start taking about what this agreement is going to be. We have every intent of reaching an agreement.”
Mr. Cherry, however, remains skeptical.
“I’m not quite as confident as they are,” he said afterwards. “I gave them an opportunity to shake on it and they declined.”
In addition to the PILOT, Mr. Scornavacca said other efforts to support the community will look much like those of the Wal-Mart Distribution Center and could include field trips to its facilities, STEM training for teachers, and partnerships with local festivals and Sheriff’s canine units.
“If you’re cynical and skeptical, of course we’re going to participate in community events,” he said. “We’re going to be part of this community for the next 30 years [the expected life of the project].”
Other benefits, Mr. Scornavacca said will include about 175 construction jobs—though just 3-4 fulltime jobs afterwards.
The attitude at both meetings was skeptical but not necessarily adversarial.
“It’s not really controversial,” said Supervisor Sandy Manko after the first session. “People just have a lot of questions”—something she said isn’t helped by NextEra’s failed promises to keep her in the loop.
“You haven’t made a good effort so far,” she said she told Mr. Scornavacca, not for the first time.
“I apologize,” he replied. “You’re going to get sick of me.”
NextEra reps are expected to be back at the Town of Sharon meeting tonight, Wednesday, 6:30pm.