Town and developers approve five solar wind projects, one with 13,552 solar panels project on 86 acres in pristine, Manlius, NY
Manlius board to review future of solar panels as residents share concerns over projects
The Town of Manlius has approved five solar panel projects within the past couple of years, none of which have started construction.
Planning board member Richard Rossetti says one of the projects didn’t submit an agreement they needed within the required time frame. They now have to start the process all over again.
There are two additional proposals in the application process with another one coming, he says.
“That's the big problem that we have,” he says. “We've approved five, none of them have put a shovel in the ground.”
One of the proposed sites is on Salt Springs Road. It is an 86-acre project with 13,552 solar panels.
Rossetti says he wouldn’t support the project because of elevation issues.
“In my opinion solar is coming. We have to adapt to it but it’s got to be responsible. We just can’t throw it wherever we want to put it. It’s got to be reasonable development,” he said.
Neighbors of the project David Muraco and his son Louis are opposed to it. They share a border with the proposed site.
“When the hay is cut and the foliage is all down, we’ll be looking at 3/4 of the project,” David says.
David said he was not aware of the project until attending one of the town meetings. He says it was unknown to neighbors as well.
“We don’t know enough about the possible contaminants. What it could do to our aquafer once we start drilling into the ground up here. We’re all on well water,” Louis says.
In addition to the concerns about possible contaminants, people are concerned about an impact on their home values. Neighbors along the road have yellow signs at the front of their yards calling for no more industrial solar projects.
David and Louis see solar panels as a part of the future but think there are places that suit them best like landfills.
“I think industrial sites, commercial sites, places that can properly scream and berm with trees and landscaping,” Louis says.
Rossetti says the challenge is that developers present where they would like to build.
The town is reviewing a moratorium that would stop approval of any new projects or expansions to existing projects for six months while they review town solar panel laws. They will be discussing that Wednesday.
"The planning board right now has taken a step back and said, "Hey, town board tell us what you want to do and then we’ll move forward," Rossetti says.
There is another proposed project nearly 90-acre project on Duguid Road that Rossetti also says would not get his support as it is too close to other approved sites. That project would have over 35,000 panels.
Louis thinks the city is listening to their concerns.
"I’m glad that the public has come forward because it has made us, the town, has made the town take another look at this," Rossetti says.
https://cnycentral.com/news/local/manlius-board-to-review-future-of-solar-panels-as-residents-share-concerns-over-projects
https://archive.is/wip/bycej