September 9, 2016
New York

Solar, wind-related construction moratorium eyed in Hartland

By Rachel Fuerschbach | Lockport Union-Sun & Journal | September 08, 2016 | www.lockportjournal.com

GASPORT – The Hartland town board is entertaining a six-month moratorium on construction of solar and wind energy installations in town.

The board will hold a public hearing on a proposed local law authorizing the moratorium tonight.

According to town Supervisor Ross Annable, the board wants time to develop local guides for the construction and placement of solar and wind energy systems. Currently, he said, there are no laws on the town’s books speaking to either type of development, nor is there an established permitting process for them.

Considering the state’s push for “clean” energy generation, town officials thought it best to do as some of Hartland’s neighbors have done and try to get rules and guidelines – from system size limits to minimum setbacks and appropriate land areas – in place before any construction gets underway.

“Solar energy is being pushed a lot right now by the state,” Annable said. “We aren’t concerned with the panels that go on the roofs of homes but more with the ground panels and how far they should be from neighboring properties.”

Currently the board does not have a working draft of regulations for solar or wind energy systems. The town’s attorney will be asked to come up with sets that suit the town and pass muster with its planning and zoning boards, Annable said. This work would be done while the construction moratorium is in effect.

The hearing on the proposed moratorium will begin at 7:30 tonight at the town hall, 8942 Ridge Road.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/09/09/solar-wind-related-construction-moratorium-eyed-in-hartland/