September 14, 2020
Town of Claverack Planning Board
https://townofclaverack.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pbminutesSept2020.pdf
“Claverack Creek Solar LLC Site Plan Review/Special Exception: Tax Map #(SBL) 100 . – 1 – 1 Located at 151 Humane Society Rd. Site Plan Review/Special Exception for the construction of a 36- acre large scale solar energy system to be placed on a 75-acre parcel.
Catskill View Solar LLC Site Plan Review/Special Exception: Tax Map #SBL) 101 . – 1 –1 Located at 132 Humane Society Rd. Site Plan Review/Special Exception for the construction of a 37-acre large scale solar energy system to be placed on a 108.3-acre parcel.
Gillian Black was present for the application. Mr. Black informed the Board that he has met with the Town of Claverack ZBA for area variances that are needed. Mr. Black continued that the TOC ZBA questioned the need for such significant setback variances for the two projects and felt that they were way too close together. Mr. Black continued that the project designers were sensitive to the concerns and have adjusted the site to allow for a 100-foot setback between the two sites and a new site plan was submitted. Mr. Black informed the Board that he also submitted the responses to the CCPB review letter. Stephen King asked if more trees needed to be removed to move the modules. Mr. Black answered no they will set the modules on taller pilons which moves the panels up and they removed the weird jog in the subdivision line to make more room. Motion to accept the modification to the Special Exception and Subdivision and to set public hearing for 9/29/2020 at a special joint PB ZBA meeting at the A. B. Shaw Fire house on NYS Rte. 23 was made by Stephen King with a second from Lisa Bowe. All members were in favor. Motion carried. Mr. Black explained that for the special hearing he would request that the project receive ZBA approval before the Special Exception and SEQRA designation. Mr. Black stated that he has spoken with A. B. Shaw fire chief Brennan Keeler and he is ok with the plan. Chairman Cole informed the Board that Chief Keeler will submit a letter to the Planning & Zoning Boards as soon as he is able. Stephen King asked if the revised plan has been added/updated on the Town of Claverack website for the public. Mr. Black stated that he will check and make sure to add new plan to the website. Jodi Keyser will check with the fees that are due and to check to see if the Subdivision application fees have been paid. Continued to 9/29/2020 for public hearing.”
August 17, 2020
Columbia County Planning Board meeting (CCPB)
https://sites.google.com/a/columbiacountyny.com/planning/columbia-county-planning-board/meetings
August 17, 2020
Large Scale Solar Projects Proposed for Claverack by Donna Davey
https://imby.com/claverack/article/large-scale-solar-projects-proposed-for-claverack/
August 3, 2020 Planning Board
“Claverack Creek Solar LLC Site Plan Review/Special Exception: Tax Map #(SBL) 100 . – 1 – 1
Located at 151 Humane Society Rd. Site Plan Review/Special Exception for the construction of a 36- acre large scale solar energy system to be placed on a 75-acre parcel.
Catskill View Solar LLC Site Plan Review/Special Exception: Tax Map #SBL) 101 . – 1 – 1 Located at 132 Humane Society Rd. Site Plan Review/Special Exception for the construction of a 37-acre large scale solar energy system to be placed on a 108.3-acre parcel.
Combined review for Claverack Creek Solar and Catskill View Solar. Mr. Ward reviewed the project for the Board. Mr. Ward informed the Board that the projects are in the Rural Conservation Zone with a tiny area within the Highway Commercial Zone. Mr. Ward informed the Board that thisproject will follow biodiversity with planting of indigenous wild flowers and allowing sheep to graze instead of mowing. Mr. Ward stated that there will be energy stored in batteries. Mr. Ward continued that both sites will require Area Variances for setbacks as follows 85 feet variance is needed for Catskill View Solar and 80 ft variance is needed for Claverack Creek Solar. Mr. Ward continued that both sites require a 100-foot setback but it is not able to keep these on both sites because the 100-foot setbacks on each site will spread the fields out and create a greater impact on the local agricultural land. Mr. Ward continued that keeping the fields closer together keeps the site more compact. Tim Wyman asked if the field is 5 watts. Mr. Ward answered yes. Mr. Ward stated that NYS Ag & Markets does not like to have widely spread out fields but rather likes to have messenger cable and bore to keep the field as compact as possible. Mr. Ward stated that the modules are set 19 feet apart from each other and will have wild flowers planted and a baseline ecological study over the 40-year lease studies birds, plants and the overall soil of the area. Mr. Ward stated that this is all done to make sure that the area is meeting the goals of the ecology of the site. Mr. Ward stated that overtime it has been determined that this will create better soil at the site also. Mr. Black informed the Board that years of planting corn and hay over and over depletes the soil. Mr. Black continues that their plan for planting will regenerate the soil on the site, bring more worms, birds and bees to the area. Mr. Black continued that they will install bird houses and bat houses, will have local bee keepers use the site and create a 5-acre community farm for neighbors to keep the site environmentally friendly. Tim Wyman asked how the site is attached to National Grid. Mr. Black informed the Board that this project was all created with the input from National Grid. Mr. Black stated that they met with National Grid several times and then a determination was made on what infrastructure would need to be upgraded and installed at the Solar company’s expense. Mr. Black stated that they installed 7 utility poles with the required protections. Mr. Black continued that it was determined that the best way to go was to send the energy produced from the solar fields was down Pulcher Ave. then south on NYS Rte. 9 to the National Grid site. Mr. Black stated that this was very expensive to do and the solar company has paid a p carried via overhead lines. Mr. Black answered yes. Stephen King asked if there were any wires crossing the stream. Mr. Black answered yes, a single feed line to supply service to the barn. Mr. Black informed the Board that a battery storage trailer will be installed next to the invertors to save electricity to send to the grid later in the day when the demand for energy is at the highest. Mr. Black stated that during construction the site will have a port-a-potty which is required. Mr. Black continued that the panels are on single access trackers that move very slowly every second to follow the sun. Mr. Black continued that the trailers will hold lithium ion batteries, HVAC systems and gas detection systems. Chairman Cole asked if there is only one trailer per site. Mr. Black stated that there is a trailer at every invertor with at least one 50-foot trailer. Chairman Cole stated that this would make 6 trailers per site. Chairman Cole continued that he is concerned with the trailers of batteries and asked how they will be monitored for fire and emergency. Mr. Black stated that he figures only two trailers per site Norman Ward and Gillean Black were present for the application. Mr. Ward introduced himself as the landscape architect for Eden Renewables and these projects. Tim Wyman asked what type of fire suppression is used. Mr. Black stated that there are gas detectors which will send notification for a remote shut down so the prevention is to shut down the site and if a fire then suppression foam floods the area. Tim Wyman stated that if this is the case then no need for local fire companies to be involved. Mr. Black stated that the local fire departments will be called to the area and will look in but won’t be able to see anything. Mr. Black stated that the modules are not combustible and unless someone is at the site and needs help would be the only reason for fire emergency personnel to enter the site. Stephen King asked what happens if lightning strikes the site. Mr. Black stated that there are lightening suppression systems at each invertor. Alberta Cox asked about the modules and high winds. Mr. Black answered that the modules are tested for snow load and wind speeds. Mr. Black continued that the panels can be controlled and have been tested for wind speeds of 110 mph. Mr. Black stated that the modules are on poles that are driven into the ground on I-beams. Mr. Ward informed the Board that after the visual analysis it was determined that one site to the northwest #9 on the plan might have a small view but the home is owned by the applicant’s brother so it shouldn’t be an issue. Mr. Black informed the Board that he will personally speak with the Humane Society regarding screening. Mr. Black stated that the company has also given money to home owners to plant as they see fit after they gets a quote for plantings. Chairman Cole stated that he just received the maps for the fire chiefs and only one was delivered when two are needed. Mr. Black will get a set of plans to Chairman Cole for the other fire chief to review but they usually meet with the fire chiefs to go over the plans. Chairman Cole stated that a meeting is a great idea but to still submit the plans with a business card for reference. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the Board that the Area Variances are on the agenda for the Town of Claverack Zoning Board of Appeals for the end of August then the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals will set up a coordinated review to hold one public hearing for the entire plan. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the applicant’s representatives that a PILOT agreement is needed along with the Host Community Agreement which needs to be reviewed by the Town Board. Rob Fitzsimmons continued that the Town Board meets on Thursday, August 13th at which time these can be discussed and invited Mr. Black to attend. Rob Fitzsimmons continued that a 15-year tax exempt plan which includes the Town of Claverack, Hudson City School District and Columbia County to offset the needs to be included in the PILOT to plan for everything. Mr. Black informed the Board that he is in the process of a joint review with ACOE & NYS DEC because of the amount of wetlands that are around the site and they are doing a coordinated review also. Stephen King asked if the plan has been added to the Town of Claverack website for the public. Mr. Black stated that he can submit something to the website after he cleans it up a little bit. Rob Fitzsimmons informed Mr. Black to submit the plan documents to the website and add to them as necessary to keep it updated. Stephen King stated to Mr. Black that it is better to be as descriptive as possible to help the public understand the project. Mr. Black stated that he will use the materials that he used for the public meeting that was held over the winter at the firehouse and will figure it out. Rob Fitzsimmons stated that the public hearing for the Site Plan/Special Exception will be held at the same time as the Area Variance and the Subdivision to keep from segmentation of the project. Rob Fitzsimmons suggested that a virtual presentation might be a good idea for the public. Punch list:
Coordinated review with TOC ZBA for public hearing
Town Board with PILOT
Information added to the TOC website
Meet with fire chiefs
Continued to September 14, 2020”
August 26, 2020 Zoning Board
https://townofclaverack.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ZBAminutesAugust2020.pdf
New Business
“Claverack Creek Solar/Catskill View Solar Area Variances: Tax Map #(SBL) 100 . – 1 – 1 and Located at
151 Humane Society Rd. Area Variances for side yard setback o 15.8’ where 100’ is required making variance request for 84.2’ for Claverack Creek.
Variance for side yard setback of 20’ where 100’ is required making variance request for 80’ for Catskill View Solar.
Gillian Black, Travis Miller and Hyde Clarke were present for the application. Chairman Graziano informed the applicant’s representatives that there are items missing from the application. Chairman Graziano continued that a denial from the TOC CEO Jay Trapp and list of abutting property owners is missing. Rob Fitzsimmons reviewed the application for the ZBA members. Rob Fitzsimmons continued that the application is currently before the TOC Planning Board and was submitted back in January then COVID halted all meetings in the Town. Chairman Graziano stated that the application is still incomplete until the two items are submitted. Mr. Miller informed the Board that the application is for two large scale solar installations on Humane Society Rd. Mr. Miller continued that the property is currently before the TOC Planning Board for a 3-lot subdivision. Mr. Miller continued that the ZBA application is seeking an Area Variance for the two solar installations because they require 100-foot setbacks. Mr. Miller informed the Board that the TOC PB is the lead agency for the project. Mr. Miller stated that setbacks are usually to protect the neighbors but these set backs are between the two solar arrays. Steve Melnyk asked the applicant’s representatives why the need for two solar fields. Gillian Black explained that it is because each solar farm is only allowed to send 5 MWs of AC to the grid. Mr. Black continued that the energy produced will be sent to two independent interconnections then down Pulcher Ave. via separate poles and lines. Steven Melnyk asked about article 10. Gillian Black explained that this project is considered community solar because they will sell discounted electric to the community. Mr. Black continued that they have paid National Grid to upgrade the lines and they built a roadway for them with 20-foot access. John Porto asked why the need for the Variances because by the maps it appears that there is plenty of property to have the solar fields both fit and have the setbacks. Gillian Black stated that they like to keep the surrounding property as dense as possible and to maintain some agricultural property without clearing trees as much as possible. John Porto asked how emergency access if something happens. Mr. Black answered that there is a 20- foot access roadway surrounding the site. Steven Melnyk asked if the solar panels are cemented into the ground. Mr. Black answered that the panels are on I-beams that are driven into the ground and they move with the sun throughout the day. Chairman Graziano asked to show the Area Variance sites. Mr. Miller informed the Board that at a point the set back is 20-feet and some at 15.9-feet. Chairman Graziano stated that the setbacks are set for safety and how would emergency vehicles access the site if a fire. Gillian Black stated that if no one is inside the site then the emergency vehicles would just be driving around the outside of the site. Chairman Graziano stated then it would just be allowed to burn out if there were a fire. Mr. Black answered yes. Chairman Graziano asked if the site would house any combustibles or hazardous materials. Mr. Black answered no. Chairman Graziano asked why two separate parcels owned by the same person. Mr. Black informed the Board that the property consists of 254-acre farm owned by Ed Casivant and is situated on a town roadway. Steven Melnyk asked if the yellow line depicts a fence. Mr. Black answered yes, an 8-foot agricultural type fence. John Porto asked where the access road is located and how is the perimeter maintained. Mr. Black explained that the rows of panels run from north to south with approximately 19 feet between each row. Mr. Black continued that the site will be seeded with a pollination friendly seed mix and possible community garden. John Porto asked what the plan is for the 3rd parcel. Mr. Black stated that they are currently exploring for a third solar field but the site has a large amount of wetlands so they are only subdividing at this point. John
Porto stated that the 15-foot area doesn’t seem like enough room for access. Chairman Graziano stated that the Board will need to err on the side of safety. Gillian Black stated that both parcels will be fenced. Steven Melnyk stated that he felt that the property affords enough room to be able to meet the setbacks with moving the field to the right. Mr. Black stated that they would still not have enough to meet the 100-foot setback on both parcels even if they moved the fields. Mr. Black stated that he needs to maintain the size and scale to maximize output. Mr. Black continued that moving the field to the right will require a lot of clearing to keep from having shaded areas. Mr. Miller stated that topography, shading, keeping to a minimum amount of disturbance and minimal tree cutting is the idea. Gillian Black stated that they are not trying to cut trees and the project has not skimped on costs. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the Board that has asked for the applicant to consult with the local fire agencies and letters are requested to address any concerns. Chairman Graziano stated that the TOC ZBA will want letters from the fire chiefs before they make any decisions because personal safety is the priority. Steven Melnyk stated that the ZBA would want to see that all of the ducks are in a row. Gillian Black stated that they have requested a coordinated review with the TOC Planning Board. Steven Melnyk asked how the community purchases electricity. Mr. Black stated that every bit of electricity is sent to National Grid and converted into money and National Grid customers can opt in to the program and they will receive a 10% reduction in their electricity bills but they will need to sign up with Eden Renewables. Chairman Graziano asked the lifespan of the solar fields. Mr. Black answered 40-year lease. Mr. Black continued that a decommission plan is submitted and bond and irrevocable account to protect the property owner and town should the lease be broken. Mr. Black stated that a PIOLT will be set up with the Town, county and school district. Mr. Black informed the Board that the project is quite far along in the process and their goal is to keep the site as compact as possible so the least amount of land is used. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the Board that the CCPB has reviewed and returned a comment letter to the TOC Planning Board. Chairman Graziano thanked the applicants for the education and they need to submit the abutters address list along with the TOC CEO denials. Mr. Black stated that he will be meeting with the local fire chiefs and will address the comments from the CCPB. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the Board that the project can receive a coordinated review for SEQRA review and one public hearing. Rob Fitzsimmons suggested picking a special night for the public hearing because the Planning Board is holding public hearing for a second large scale solar project and it is easier for the applicant and public to comment if one hearing instead of two. Change of venue and better zoom. Meeting date will be checked but possible September 29th at 7:00 PM at the A. B. Shaw Fire house on NYS Rte. 23. Secretary Keyser will email the Planning Board members to poll availability for quorum. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the applicants that there is no need to appear on 9/23 for the regular ZBA meeting but need to obtain a public hearing sign and send in the list of abutters. Sign with special date and location will be coordinated with Mary Jeanne Hoose town clerk.”
March 2, 2020 Planning Board Meeting Minutes
https://townofclaverack.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/PBminutes-March-2020.pdf
“Claverack Creek Solar LLC Site Plan Review/Special Exception: Tax Map #(SBL) 100 . – 1 – 1 Located at 151 Humane Society Rd. Site Plan Review/Special Exception for the construction of a 36-acre large scale solar energy system to be placed on a 75-acre parcel. Owen Spoulstra and Mr. Black from Eden Renewables were present for the application. Mr. Black informed the Board that they have submitted a letter to address the comment letter from George Schmitt. Mr. Spoulstra informed the Board that they have added the 100-year flood plain and pulled the solar panels 150-feet away from this area. Mr. Spoulstra continued that they have also moved the access road and poles out of the flood plain. Mr. Black informed the Board that the Catskill View Solar project is well outside of the 100-year flood plain. Mr. Black explained that both sites show a 20-foot clearance around the sites for emergency access. Mr. Black continue asking the Board for a coordinated review to move along as quickly as possible. Chairman Cole asked the representatives if they have met with the local fire chiefs to review the plan namely A. B. Shaw and Mellenville. Mr. Black answered no not yet but will get going on this. Stephen King asked Rob Fitzsimmons if these plans fall under the new Article 10 proposal with a 30-day approval. Rob Fitzsimmons answered no. Mr. Black informed the Board that these projects are 25-mgw and understands the Article 10 amendment to be for much larger solar projects of 60mgw and up.Stephen King stated that he wants to understand before any approval. Stephen King continued that he understands that the National Grid access is on a 1st come 1 st served basis which is a concern because he feels that the Planning Board is being pressured to approve without enough of a proper review to race the other projects. Mr. Black explained that the que is the interconnect agreement with National Grid which then starts the clock and sets up a space in line to submit the application with National Grid to begin the Ceasar Review. Mr. Black continued that there is only so many megawatts that the system can handle. Mr. Black continued that Eden Renewables has already paid a deposit on the $800,000.00 in line upgrades and upgrades to the system to the public service commission. Mr. Black continued that the interconnection costs are running along and soon 75% of the interconnections costs will be paid, National Grid is beginning to get their upgrade work done. Mr. Black informed the Board that it is unlikely that other projects will be able to connect to a feeder because there is only a finite amount of electricity. Mr. Black stated that he is aware of only one other project ahead of these two proposals and Eden Renewables is looking at one more possible project. Mr. Black informed the Board that these projects will be using only National Grid lines that will transmit energy via Pulcher Ave. George Schmitt informed the Board that the comments look good and if the Board is ready they can move forward with the SEQRA review. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the Board that they are free to make a motion to declare lead agency status for purposes of SEQRA. George Schmitt stated that the balloon test will not tell a lot because it is only flown at 15-feet and the most local impact will be backyards, park areas or other spaces that the Board members might feel is important to the public. Rob Fitzsimmons reminded the Board that the visual impact would need to be a significant negative impact that will keep people from visiting the area so think of sensitive receptors. Mr. Black stated that they viewshed is only really from Humane Society Rd. and is situated within a very densely wooded area thickly screened and tucked away from residential areas. Mr. Black continued that the site is well behind Walmart and Kipp’s Mobile Home park. Mr. Black continued that the possibly the site might be slightly visible from NYS Rte. 66 by Ginsberg Rd. if people look down onto the site. Mr. Black stated that he is willing to work with the Planning Board members to decide where the visual impacts might be to decide where to set up the balloon testing. Mr. Black informed the Board members that the sound dicebles of all the equipment is measured at a distance of 400-feet and is found to be that of a library so no noise pollution and no lights therefore no light spillage. Virginia Ambrose asked where the closest site that the company is currently working is located. Mr. Black stated that Eden Renewables is currently working on sites in Fultonville and Glennville New York. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the Board that the site is low lying and remote. Chairman Cole stated that the site might be visible from NYS Rte. 66 by Ginsberg Rd. and along Humane Society Rd. Stephen King asked how difficult is it to perform a balloon test. Mr. Black stated that setting up a balloon test is not difficult. Stephen King informed the applicant that this is the very first large scale solar project to be decided by the Town of Claverack Planning Board with that being said it is important to make every effort for due diligence. Stephen King continued that the site of the balloon test, photo simulations and proposed vegetation should be submitted as considered by the Planning Board members. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the Board it is up to them to decide where the sensitive receptors might be for the balloon test. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the applicant that they can coordinate the visual impact testing with George Schmitt and to notice the Planning Board members so they can visit the site during the balloon test. Mr.Black stated that the SEQRA is prepared, he has already communicated with the NYS DEC for wetlands and they have been delineated on the maps and OPRHP phase 1 was submitted therefore his company has produced almost all of the work and would ask that the Board move forward. Motion to declare that the Town of Claverack Planning Board have lead agency status for purposes of SEQRA was made by Virginia Ambrose with a second from William Michael. All members were in favor.Motion carried. Applicant was advised to draw and submit new plans as per comment letter, no public notice of balloon test only set for Planning Board members. Balloon test will be set at a height of 15-feet as high as the CVT cameras. Continued to April 6, 20020. Catskill View Solar LLC Site Plan Review/Special Exception: Tax Map #SBL) 101 . – 1 – 1 Located at 132 Humane Society Rd. Site Plan Review/Special Exception for the construction of a 37-acre large scale solar energy system to be placed on a 108.3-acre parcel. Joint review with Claverack Creek Solar LLC.”
February 3, 2020 Planning Board Minutes
New Business
https://townofclaverack.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/PBminutes2-3-2020.pdf
“Claverack Creek Solar LLC Site Plan Review/Special Exception: Tax Map (SBL) 100 . – 1 – 1 Located at 151 Humane Society Rd. Site Plan Review/Special Exception for the construction of a 37-acre large scale solar energy system. Owen Sperlstra and Gillian Black were present for the application. Mr. Sperlman and Mr. Black informed the Board that they are working on both the Claverack Creek Solar and Catskill View Solar application. Mr. Black informed the Board that these solar installations will be 37 and 36 acres respectively. Mr. Black continued that he met with Jay Trapp and the Town Board prior to the development of these sites. Mr. Sperlman informed the Board that the solar panels will be on ground mounted pilings that will rotate as the sun moves. Mr. Black stated that the solar fields will be surrounded with an 8 ½ foot fence and cameras all around for security. Mr. Black explained that the solar fields will send the energy to the grid and will sell to local residents at a 10% savings. Mr. Black stated that the glare from the solar panels is no more than that of a clear pond or lake, do not make any noise, no traffic, little maintenance with a biodiverse planting design and sheep to maintain a couple times of year. Mr. Black continued that the sites will have screening with existing trees and added indigenous plantings around. Mr. Black continued that both sites are outside of the flood risk area and not much water is displaced by the solar panels and what is runoff will seep into the ground. Mr. Black stated that they are currently working with National Grid for installation of the poles and infrastructure to send the energy to the power station. Mr. Black stated that their company is looking to setup a PILOT program. Mr. Black also stated that they are looking into a partnership with a local school district to train students with implementing a solar curriculum. Mr. Black continued that they will pay National Grid to make the upgrades to the system on their end. Mr. Black stated that the benefits will be a strengthened energy grid, cut pollution, more locally sourced energy, supports agriculture through pollination and seeding, local jobs for landscaping, civil engineering, property management, snow removal and bee keepers and goat farmers and will not need to use pesticides unless invasive species are located. Mr. Black stated that the site will not be paved because roadways are not needed which is an environmental benefit. Mr. Black informed the Board that his clients, the Casivant family owns 250 +/- acres and they are currently looking at a 3rd site at this location in addition to these two sites.Mr. Black informed the Board that the energy will travel directly through the property to the National Grid substation. Mr. Black stated that this is a good use for the site that is within the Rural Agricultural Zone. Mr. Black informed the Board that the site does not require personnel on a daily basis, will be monitored via cameras and will have typical livestock fencing, no barbed or razor wire. Mr. Black informed the Board that both sites will have pylons that will have the solar panels installed onto them. Mr. Black continued that the pylons will be installed in the ground via pounding them into the site. Mr. Black stated that during this installation there might be some minor noise from the pounding but no noise after installation. Mr. Black stated that the solar modules will rotate 1 degree every 8 minutes following the arc of the sun. Mr. Black stated that the two sites are screened but will require additional screening in some areas and they will do a balloon test to determine the best spaces to install additional plantings. Mr. Black continued that the newly installed plantings will not be fully grown trees but will grow over time to fill in the area. Mr. Black informed the Board that the utility will connect and upgrade lines down Pulcher Ave. and then onto the substation. Mr. Speulstra informed the Board that each of the solar farms will have two inverter pads with two transformers with two sets of 6 poles at the end of the roadway with National Grid owning the first two sets and the solar company owning the others. Chairman Cole asked how high are the poles. Mr. Speulstra answered that the poles will be at 30-feet but it is a dance with National Grid at this time. Mr. Black stated that the company pays National Grid to install the first two sets of poles then Eden Renewables will install the remaining poles and they will then work together to make sure that the system and lines are all working properly. Stephen King stated that the map is hard to read as to the proximity of the solar farm to the Claverack Creek because of the 100-year flood plain. Jock Winch informed the applicants that the site requires a 100-foot setback for the flood plain. Mr. Speulstra will look at the flood plain. Mr. Black informed the Board that the property has enough room to make it happen and will maintain use of the existing tracks do minimize disturbance. Continued to the March meeting.
Catskill View Solar LLC Site Plan Review/Special Exception: Tax Map #SBL) 101 . – 1 – 1 Located at 132 Humane Society Rd. Site Plan Review/Special Exception for the construction of a 40-acre large scale solar energy system. Mr. Black and Mr. Speulstra from Eden Renewables was present for this application also. Mr. Black informed the Board that the Catskill View Solar site will require a minor subdivision and will have an easement. Mr. Black continued that ultimately the entire site will consist of 3 separate solar fields the third is in design. Mr. Black continued that all of the parcels will be leased for 25-year lease with the option of 3 more 5-year terms from the Casivant family and they will maintain ownership of the property. Mr. Speulstra stated that he has submitted detailed packets and at this time are looking for feedback and engineer review. Mr. Black stated that this is actually one action but are totally separate fields and one disturbance for SWIPPEs which is still less than one acre. Mr. Black stated that the has submitted an adequate erosion mitigation plan during installation. Robert Vecchi asked what the timeframe is for completion. Mr. Black answered that National Grid has already started the necessary upgrade to the grid and the company would like to have the fields completed by Spring 2021 if everything falls into place. Stephen King asked that the applicant submit a construction disturbance plan with the number of trucks per day, noise pounding decibel, hours of pounding, size of the construction trucks, traffic increase because he knows that the people in that area are going to ask these questions. Mr. Speulstra stated that there will be noise during the day when they are installing the pylons but it is a short timeframe for this to happen. Chairman Cole stated that there is one house, farm, humane society and a very close trailer park. Stephen King informed the applicant that sound travels and the trailer park residents will be impacted. Virginia Ambrose asked if the company has any other local projects in the area. Mr. Black answered no nothing in the United Stated yet but are currently working on a site in Schodack and two more in Dwaynesville and a few others in the works but all are in the United Kingdom but he would be happy to share any information. Stephen King asked where in the U.K. are sites located. Robert Vecchi informed the applicants that the more positive information that they could submit would be the best for them. Mr. Black stated that this site is a great opportunity to let the ground rest and regenerate and they have proof that it creates better soils, hosting beekeepers to pollinate a 3-mile area and the increase of worms. Mr. Black stated that at the end of a possible 40-year term or end of the 25 year term they will pull out all of the panels using the decommission bond. Mr. Black continued that all of the materials used for the field are recyclable. Virginia Ambrose asked about how the panels tip and turn. Mr. Black stated that the panels are set at 52 degrees east and rotate to 52 degrees west at 1 degree per minute so a rotation of 104 degrees to chase the sun all day from sunrise to sundown. Virginia Ambrose asked how rainwater will get to the ground. Mr. Black stated that the panels are 8-feet wide and are spaced further apart than the width of the panel so rain will run off into the surrounding ground. Robert Vecchi stated that he reviewed the decommission plan and would like to know why the duct vents are left. Mr. Black stated that anything over 4-feet is removed.Virginia Ambrose asked about the subdivision of property into three parcels. Mr. Black answered yes there will be three properties with three different 911 addresses. 151 Humane Society Rd. which will include Mr.Casivant’s residence, 132 Humane Society Rd. and 129 Humane Society Rd. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the Board that all three are still under 50%. Jock Winch stated that the Town of Claverack Solar Law for Large Solar fields is really new and this is the first trial and it appears that all of the points have been covered with the lot size needing to be clearer on the size of the parcel and the size of the array. Rob Fitzsimmons stated that the lot size then the size of the solar array meets the total acreage of the parcel with the array meets the requirements of the law. Robert Vecchi stated that he questions the PILOT agreement should be with the Town of Claverack Town Board. Mr. Black stated that the Town Board, Town Attorney and Eden Renewables will provide a proposal for the PILOT plan. Stephen King stated that when that is completed the Planning Board will need a draft copy for the file. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the Board that he will sit withCharles Brewer the Town of Claverack Assessor to figure out the Agricultural Exemption and the taxes. Mr. Black informed the Board that this will be a net benefit to the Town of Claverack and the school district when the property comes out of Agricultural Exemption. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the applicant that this is a good point to let the people know. Stephen King suggested that when the project gets further along it should be uploaded onto the Town of Claverack website for citizens to review. Rob Fitzsimmons stated that the technical review begins he will ask for electronic files for the website. Stephen King stated that this will help to make the residents and neighbors better informed. Mr. Black stated that his company recently had an open house to discuss the new solar laws and large solar fields but it was very poorly attended Mr. Black asked the Board to deem the application complete. Chairman Cole stated that he is not comfortable with deeming the application complete until the Planning Board has met or had a workshop. Rob Fitzsimmons stated that there really isn’t a need for a workshop and the applicant is not seeking approval because they will need a subdivision and George Schmitt will need to review. Rob Fitzsimmons continued that Mr. Black actually helped the Town of Claverack write the Large Solar Law. Chairman Cole asked for a workshop to review the new law and applications. Rob Fitzsimmons suggested to allow George Schmitt to do the technical review and it is early in the application so it is better to continue the application and if necessary schedule to meet earlier at the March meeting. Rob Fitzsimmons informed the Board that if they were going to hold a workshop or separate meeting it would require notice for the public. Rob Fitzsimmons continued that the Town Board and Assessor will work on the PILOT and if the Board requests to meet earlier for the March meeting it will bedecided closer to the meeting. Continued to the March meeting”.
November 14, 2019
Local Law 3 Large Scale Solar Law
https://townofclaverack.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Claverack-Hybrid-Solar-Law-11052019-v2.pdf
Town Board Meeting Minutes
https://townofclaverack.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Public-Hearing-Local-Law-3-of-2019-Large-Scale-Solar.pdf
“Gillian Black of Eden Renewables, a large-scale solar company, was in attendance. He presented technical facts regarding solar installations. Questions were asked and answered. Mr. Black specified his company tries to make the solar projects ecofriendly, creating an environment that blends in as well as being a haven for apiaries and wildflowers. Mr. Black explained there are limits to where solar panels can be installed based on the power lines. “
May 9, 2019 Town Board Meeting
https://townofclaverack.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/May-2019-Regular-Monthly-Meeting.pdf
“Meeting today with solar company – there will be an open house, the date and time to be determined. Have to do solar law first. Will also do a mailing. Eden Renewables would like to do locals first.”
“Councilwoman Lee – Attended Zoning Review Committee on April 17th – Committee continues to work on developing draft law for Solar Energy System. Discussion included how to manage permitting process for solar energy development, including clarifying types of solar systems and the decommissioning of solar panel systems.
On May 8th, George Keeler, past Fire Chief of A.B. Shaw Fire Company, spoke to Zoning Review Committee members on fire safety and solar systems. Some concerns bought up were what controls need to be considered to ensure safety, shutting down electrical power, natural firebreaks in field, containing the perimeter, access roads, security to the site and annual fire department check.”
September 4, 2018
New York State Department of State Registration
CLAVERACK CREEK SOLAR, LLC
DOS ID: 5403741
CATSKILL VIEW SOLAR, LLC
DOS ID: 5403821