Town of Washington explores solar energy

WASHINGTON — More than 25 people filled the Town Hall meeting room on Thursday, June 14, to discuss the proposed amendment  to the zoning code concerning solar energy and wind energy systems. The public hearing on Local Law No. 1 followed a moratorium on passing laws dealing with solar energy so that a committee could focus on town needs and wants.

Headed by Councilmen Al De Bonis and Michael Murphy, more than eight meetings took place during the time the moratorium was in effect, with a committee that included resident Larry Ham, Town Justice Jeff Feigelson, residents Ed Jorgenson and Howard Schuman. They also had input from a member of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and worked closely with Jeff Battistoni, town attorney.

Jane Geisler, a local land owner, and her son, Warren, wrote a letter to the Town Board sharing their thoughts.

“Everyone agrees that the time for alternative energy has arrived, and New York state is encouraging  both residential and commercial solar energy production,” they stated.

They went added that many local residents, as far back as a year and a half ago, have received proposals from solar power companies asking to lease their land for that purpose. It’s estimated that 20 to 30 percent of residents have received offers.

The Geislers are asking the town to guide them on such matters. But they added that, “A carte blanch refusal to allow any commercial solar system is not the sort of guidance” they’ve been seeking.

Geisler owns more than 70 acres of land and leasing part of it to a solar energy company would help ease her tax burden, she said.

Sam Short, a local farmer, voiced his opinion, also stating that he had been contacted by a large firm in Asia. That got him thinking, he said. He’s had some issues meeting his taxes, he explained, adding his farm — like many local farms — is not doing well. He has been in touch with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) about ways to keep farms going.

It was noted that corn is grown to provide methanol, which is a source of energy — but it’s hard to make a viable living from it. Solar farms could help farmers stay on their land and still make a living, with tax relief.

The town wants large tracts to keep the area rural. The only commercial zone in the town is the village of Millbrook.

A major concern in using solar or wind power is aesthetic: large, unsightly panels and/or windmills could detract from the charm of the area. But it was pointed out that solar power is changing, as is the way that it is delivered. One way of looking at it is as a farm, growing energy instead of growing crops.

Town Historian David Greenwood mentioned that historically, Washington was founded as an agricultural economy. He said the town has done an admirable job of keeping out urban sprawl.

He presented a picture of the solar panels at Millbrook School, noting the size of the installation, and how much larger some of the installations would have to be. It was noted that due to the local terrain, it might be all but impossible to completely hide the structures from view, although consideration was given to shielding units with trees. 

Representatives from two companies were also present at last week’s public hearing. Wendy De Wolf of East Light Partners discussed using landfills  for solar farms, though there is no landfill in Washington.

Zack Schrowang of Solar Generation explained how companies work with municipalities and the existing power companies. He discussed some basic financial arrangements.   

Geisler did some quick math and asserted that during a 20-year lease period a solar company could make millions, while in some cases landowners would be earning far less. In some scenarios, she said, landowners would just be getting their taxes paid. 

The Town Board will hold a special meeting on Monday, June 25, at Town Hall, at 7 p.m., to close the public hearing, and, in all likelihood, adopt Local Law No. 1 of 2018.

The Solar Committee will continue to investigate possible revisions to the law based upon public input.