Know this about the proposed 20-MW Rock District Solar project:
If developers Cypress Creek had taken it to the state’s Office of Renewal Energy Siting—instead of the Carlisle and Seward Planning Boards--it would have already been approved.
“You have to decide if you’d rather have it reviewed here or by the state.”
That’s what attorney Terresa Bakner, who with engineer Steve LeFevre, is working to help the Planning Boards through the review process, told a standing-room-only crowd in Carlisle Tuesday.
More than 75 residents, along with supporters from Schoharie, who’d successfully stopped Borrego Solar there, turned out for the public hearing on site plans for the 370-acre Brown Road project.
“Vegetation will never block the black hole,” of solar panels, said Kirk Holmes, who lives on Little York Road, after getting a look at what he’d see from his home.
“Actually, it looks worse than I though it would. We will get a lawyer and do everything we can do to block it.”
As part of his presentation, Cypress Creek attorney Jeff Davis said between lump sum and annual host community payments and property taxes, the project would mean an estimated $3.8 million in economic benefits.
Using what formula? asked Supervisor John Leavitt.
The one that cuts taxes on solar and town projects by two-thirds? The one that’s on hold because of a Schoharie County challenge in court?
Yes, Mr. Davis said; they’re using the model as it exists now.
“If the lawsuit isn’t upheld, you’ll pay 100 percent,” Mr. Leavitt said. “How do you feel about PILOTs?”
They wouldn’t enter into a PILOT—payment in lieu of taxes—for a 20-MW facility, Mr. Davis said. They would pay taxes.
Nearby residents blasted the project’s likely impact to their property values.
“That’s my lawn,” Mary Lausten, who lives on Gordon Road, said looking at one of the photos showing what the project would look like viewed from a handful of roads.
“No matter how high those trees are, I’ll be looking down on them.
Ms. Lausten also referenced a document she signed when buying her home, acknowledging that it’s an agricultural district—asking, why, then, solar is allowed.
Laurie Tyler, who lives on Brown Road, spoke about chemicals in the solar panels and demanded regular testing; Nate Langan, who lives on Little York Road, said he uses a well and doesn’t want “to be drinking water dripping off solar panels.”
Bruce Clapper, who lives on Snyder Road, asked about the impact of runoff on local farmers Art Graulich and Frank Johnson.
“What’s that water going do to the people who are feeding us?”
A family of nine Amish farmers was in the audience.
“I have probably the most splendid view of anywhere,” said one of them, Aaron Yoder. “This is going to ruin the neighborhood. How can I ever sell this property?”
The public hearing will be continued at the Planning Board’s January meeting.