Town Looks Issue a 6-Month Moratorium For New Solar Projects – Public Hearing Next Month

The Town of Cortlandville looks to issue a moratorium for new solar projects within the Town of Cortlandville. The town opened up discussion regarding a moratorium after concerns have been brought up from Town Board members and Cortlandville Planning Board members. Town Attorney Fran Cassulo said during Wednesday’s town board meeting that in the past few months, the town has received a number of solar panel applications. He added he believes the town is not alone on the number of applications coming to municipalities within the county.

Cassulo added that the Cortland County Planning Department is now becoming involved and is working to set up a committee to ensure municipalities within the county are reviewing solar panel applications adequately and thoroughly. Recently, incidents have been reported from solar projects that have already been constructed.

“I think the time has come that [the town] at least slow this process down a little bit and give the town some time to analyze its current code and how we are handling these applications.”

Cassulo said to the board. 

Allowing this, Cassulo says, could help the town make the applications for solar panels better. He then suggested the town issue a local law of a moratorium for up to 6-months, but noted the moratorium could be less than 6-months. He expressed this moratorium does not affect applications that have been deemed complete and will only start with applications that are coming into the town.

“We’re not going to be taking anymore [solar applications] until we have some time to spend to address how to handle these applications better, or not. Maybe we’re already doing the best that we can, but allow us to give us some time to examine this issue a little bit more thoroughly.”

Cassulo said.

Cassulo then asked the Town Board for a resolution for the proposed local law, Local Law of 2025 for the town of a solar moratorium. This will also require a public hearing prior to the local law being enacted. Cassulo added he has already begun taking the steps in getting the proper paperwork filed with county planning and anyone else who will need to see it.

Town Supervisor Greg Leach then asked for a motion for the town to vote on acknowledging receipt of the proposed local law on establishing a temporary moratorium on accepting and approvals on new applications for new solar energy systems within the town. The vote was unanimous by the board.

The town then voted unanimously for a public hearing regarding the proposed local law. The public hearing will take place on August 6th at 5pm at the Raymond G. Thorpe Municipal Building.