During the Town of Cortlandville Planning Boards meeting on Tuesday, June 27th, the board continued their discussion on the proposed 5 Megawatt solar project that will be located 3023 Route 215 in Cortlandville.
The meeting reviewed the plans environmental assessment with the board discussing the potential impact the project may have. During their review it was noted that the project would have no geological impact, no impact on groundwater, or flooding. Further discussion on the topic of the impact of agricultural land was minimal as the land the project is set to be on hasn’t been farmed in at least 5 years.
The project has been titled Cortlandville Solar. The company, Cortlandville PV, LLC, is based out of New York City. Andy Welch, a representative from RIC Energy, the parent company of Cortlandville PV, LLC was in attendance during the meeting to answer further questions the board had.
Details of the project included no removal of trees on the property, that only 33 of the 76 acres of the property would be used for solar, additional trees would be planted in areas where the tree line is thin, and the solar area completely fenced in.
Board member, Nasin Parvizi, asked about plans for maintenance on the ground, mainly on lawn care and remedies to flooding. Welch informed her and the board that dry retention ponds will be constructed to mitigate any water and the space between the solar panels will be a permeable surface (grass most likely).
Overall the board agreed the project would not have a large impact on the surrounding area, but noted the plan was inconsistent with community characteristics. The surrounding buffer around the panels with a tree line limited that concern.
A conditional permit for the project was granted with a unanimous vote by the planning board. The board also voted unanimously to send a recommendation to the Town of Cortlandville Town Board for an aquifer permit.
With an aquifer permit, a public hearing must be held, that is expected to take place on July 19th before the Town Board meeting. If all approvals are given, construction will begin in the Spring of 2024.
