Whether you’re for it or against it, neighbors want to hear from you on a proposed seven-megawatt solar project in the Town of Schoharie.
Supervisor Alan Tavenner and councilmen expect to begin SEQRA review of the proposal by Borrego Solar at their September 11 meeting.
Citing both the town and village comprehensive plans, and the beauty of the Schoharie Valley, neighbors have been gathering petitions opposing the project, which would be build on Bliss Road on land leased from Leonard and Megan Berdan.
Borrgeo would sell power into the grid, but because it would be a community solar project, residents would be able to sign up to purchase the “green” electricity.
Marion Jacquay is one of those collecting petitions, but mostly she said she wants to get the word out about the project; the group STOP Schoharie Commercial Solar has an ad in this week’s Times-Journal.
“It’s been talked about a lot, but still, a lot of people don’t have any idea what’s going on,” Ms. Jacquay said. “They should have their voices heard.
“Yes, I’m opposed to it because I don’t want to look at it and I’m concerned about my property values. I’d never forgive myself for not speaking up. But if you’re for it? Fine. Just do your job as a citizen and speak up.”
Echoing concerns voiced in the Town of Sharon, where a 50-megawatt solar project is under study by the State Siting Board because of its size, Ms. Jacquay said she also fears letting in one solar project will open the door to others.
“We don’t want to look like Westerlo…Amsterdam…” she said.
The town board meets at 6:30pm in its offices at 300 Main Street.
The night before, Tuesday, September 10, also at 6:30pm and also at 300 Main, the Village of Schoharie will consider a letter of support for the project that the Berdans requested in August.
“I didn’t know about that beforehand,” Ms. Jacquay said of the August meeting and request. “I’ll be there that night too.”