Lumberland considers solar development

By SUSAN WADE
Posted 9/15/20

GLEN SPEY, NY — Following a hearing at which no public comment was offered, the Town of Lumberland passed a long-discussed six-month moratorium on the processing of applications for, and the …

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Lumberland considers solar development

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GLEN SPEY, NY — Following a hearing at which no public comment was offered, the Town of Lumberland passed a long-discussed six-month moratorium on the processing of applications for, and the issuance of any approvals or permits for, solar farms or solar power plants within the town. The purpose of the moratorium is to allow the time to assure congruity of such projects with the town’s Comprehensive Plan rather than to allow permitting on an ad-hoc basis. 

On the heels of that, the board then adopted Local Law 2 “Solar Energy Law,” the stated objectives of which are to take advantage of the solar resources, decrease energy costs, mitigate environmental impacts, diversify energy resources and strike a reasonable balance between private property rights and community interests. The new law amends a section of the town code to provide standards to facilitate the development and operation of solar energy systems within the town. Local Law 2 is effective upon filing with the NYS Department of State. 

The Town’s Clean-up Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at the town highway garage on Proctor Road from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Residents should contact the town clerk’s office to obtain a pass and list of acceptable materials for disposal.

The town also accepted a donation from Kadampa Meditation Center totaling $7,000 to be allocated between the general and highway funds and constables and parks budgets. 

It was announced that in-person voting will take place at the town hall on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. 

The town also renewed its financial commitment to a shredding day opportunity headed by Jeff Bank, and also sponsored by the Town of Highland and the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce. As of the date of this report, the specifics regarding date and time of the event were not available. 

A resolution requesting that the New York State Department of Transportation consider a speed limit reduction on Rio Dam Road was passed. It was noted that a request is in the hands of the DOT for a speed reduction on Mapes Road as well. 

William Walker was appointed to the Board of Assessment Review for a five-year term beginning Thursday, October 1.

The town’s cultural series fall performance will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 20. The program is “Music for Relaxation” and will occur virtually, accessible through the town’s webpage or Facebook page. Frank Schwartz is the performing pianist.   

Supervisor Jenny Mellan noted that there was significant overflow parking and other issues at the boat launching site on State Route 97 near the end of County Route 31, with vehicles parked across the road at the former Tri-States Diesel land site. She said that the town reviewed the license agreement it holds with Eagle Creek and will write a letter to terminate the license. After that license is terminated, other options for the land’s use and development can be explored.

Town of Lumberland, Solar Energy Law, clean-up day, Election Day, Jeff bank, greater Barryville, chamber of commerce,

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