Questions to ask the energy developer, town, planning and zoning board when reviewing an energy application. UPDATED JULY 17, 2022. Solar, wind and battery energy projects are complex. Ask questions! Download and print the list of questions as a PDF. Then use the spread sheet to track the answers. PROJECT What is the project’s legal … [Read more…]
Energy facilities may require town, county and state review. No matter the project size there is a lot of paperwork to track! If the facility includes battery energy storage then the paperwork increases. Lots of paperwork creates opportunity for mistakes, errors and omissions. Hold the developer and town accountable with a spreadsheet! Below is … [Read more…]
Find the Freedom of Information law for your state. Check your town website for a Freedom of Information form. New York State Committee on Open Government provides sample letters https://opengovernment.ny.gov/sample-letters I prefer to submit my own letter via email to the town clerk, records access officer or state agency. Save your requests – … [Read more…]
As soon as possible request that your town adopt a moratorium on solar, wind and battery energy facilities. DRAFT REQUEST A moratorium on solar arrays and a moratorium on battery storage are requested based upon New York States energy policy as well as the energy industry actions to site acres upon acres of solar, wind … [Read more…]
Attend all of your town meetings and record them. Use an old smart phone. Erase all the data. Take it to every meeting and either voice record or video record the meeting from as soon as you walk in the room till you leave. Meetings may not follow the Agenda. Guest may speak out of … [Read more…]
It is in your best interest to film every public meeting with your town. New York State Open Meeting Law allows you to film meetings as long as you are not disruptive. https://opengovernment.ny.gov/open-meetings-law 1. Buy a tripod. I like UBeesize Selfie Stick Tripod for about $20 on Amazon because it includes a phone holder and … [Read more…]
New York State Law requires the town to provide all documents to be discussed at a town meeting within 24 hours before or at the meeting. Section 103 of NYS Open Meeting Law may be found here: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBO/103 Know what your town has drafted before its discussed at the board meeting. At least three days … [Read more…]
Yard Signs may be handmade, from a local sign shop or purchased online. Do whatever it takes to get the word out. Your town zoning ordinance may have regulations about signs and political advertising. When in doubt…. Ask your town clerk for a copy of the zoning ordinance. Ask the code enforcement officer about regulations … [Read more…]
Write a petition and go door to door to gather taxpayer signatures. Do not leave information in USPS mailboxes. This is a federal offense. Ask the town, county and state for regulations on petitions. If necessary consult with an attorney. Ask if online petitions are valid in your town, county and state. Scan the petition … [Read more…]
Many towns may require a developer to host a community open house to inform neighbors of their energy project. The meeting will not be held at town hall. The town, planning and zoning board are not required to attend. The town does not mail the taxpayers notifications. This community meeting is not part … [Read more…]