App users, tap here to watch video report.
KIANTONE – The Town of Kiantone held a public meeting on Thursday night discussing the prospects of a local law that would better protect the town’s interest in solar power.
Town Supervisor Joshua Ostrander, Town Board Members and other local officials heard from several residents on the matter.
Several concerns were brought up by residents, including protecting area roads from heavy equipment used to install solar farms to labor requirements making sure certified professional would be tasked with installing arrays.
Ostrander says currently there is not an official project proposed, however a company is interested in leasing lands south of Donaldson Road, around 800 acres to be exact.
He says the project would continue with or without the town’s approval, but the law would look out for the town’s interests.
“We are hearing from residents that they have been contacted concerning lease agreements and things like that,” said Ostrander. “They have been here, they are operating here and we think they have a plan; they are just waiting on us to finalize this law and make an application.”
The council also discussed possible environmental impacts of a local law on solar fields.
The town’s attorney says the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation would inspect specific projects prior to approval and determine their specific impacts on a case-by-case basis.
Ostrander says a vote on the law will take place in January.
Leave a Reply