Let The Sun Shine In
by Doug La Rocque
Count ‘em, not one, not two, but three different solar projects were before the Brunswick Planning Board at its Thursday, March 4 meeting.Only one was on the agenda however, that being Tamarac Solar at 126 Brick Church Road (NYS Route 278), adjacent to another established solar complex. The applicant reviewed the site plan’s visual impacts, something that was more heavily discussed at a previous planning board meeting. Of more interest this night, was the access roadway and changes the board had previously requested. The new site plan now includes a “hammerhead” turnaround and pull offs for traffic and/or emergency vehicles to pass. The planners set a tentative joint public hearing with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) for Monday, April 1.
Not on the agenda but brought forth under new business was a project known as Belair Solar, planned for Belair Lane (north of Hoosick Road). This is a community solar project, which means up to 350 homes can receive up to 10% off their monthly electric bill. This project entails a large tract of land, 59 acres, with 52 of these involved with the main 5.5 kilowatt facility.
It will perhaps, also take a little longer than usual, because the developer plans to ask the Town Board for a zoning change, not just a variance from the ZBA. Most of this land is zoned R-40 (residential) with an agricultural overlay on portions of it. The developer would like the Town Board to extend the Ag overlay, as Brunswick Zoning Code allows solar construction on such overlays. Their presentation this night was more in the form of a sketch plan. They still have to file their site plan and special use permit, to be considered by all three of the town’s boards, as well as a full Environmental Assessment Form and plans to deal with wetlands on the site.
The other new business item was Oakwood Solar, which last year unveiled plans to construct a solar farm on top of the former landfill along Oakwood Avenue. Because this is a so called “brownfield” project, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is involved as well as the town. DEC is reviewing the developer’s remediation plans for the site, which could include having to lay a top cap that might need to be 20 inches or more thick. This site is a bit different in that the solar panels would not be anchored into the ground but would actually sit on top of it.
Oakwood Solar has already filed its environmental plans with the town, is hopeful of approval from DEC in the immediate future, and desires to work out all the details in time to break ground later this year.
Verizon Cell Tower
Blue Sky Towers has been working with both the Planning Board and the ZBA for over year to gain approval to construct a tower on land at the intersection of Creek Road and Menemsha Lane. The quest is nearing completion, as the board discussed some conditions that would be part of any final approval. It includes the requirement that the antennas must not stick out any further than the branches on the monotone camouflage tower, decommissioning fees would be needed, and the testing of the two generators on the site must be staggered.
ALDI Complex
Developer David Leon was hoping to have his State Environmental Quality Review Act paperwork approved at this meeting, but again, not so fast. Both Engineer Wayne Bonesteel and Attorney Andy Gilchrist indicated they needed some more time to consider the filing, so the matter was placed on the board March 18 agenda.
Hannaford Plans
Hannaford Supermarkets announced last week it was the market that plans to build a 49,000 square foot store in the field at the corner of Hoosick Road (NYS Route 7) and Lord Avenue. There were several people in attendance at the meeting, perhaps looking to voice their opinions, but Planning Board gatherings do not include public comment sessions. As Chair Russ Oster pointed out, at some point in the process, there will be a public hearing, at which time all who wish will be heard, and the developer must respond to all questions and points raised, in writing, before the approval process can continue. Discussed this evening were plans by Hannaford to request a pedestrian access, the desire to have the sewer line extended into the complex and some greenery concerns. It also quickly detailed plans to keep traffic flowing along Lord Avenue during the construction phase.
The board also decided to change up the way it does business, hoping to streamline its often lengthy meetings a bit. Starting with the March 18 meeting, only those on the agenda will be heard. Any business that comes in after the agenda is set will be offered the chance to submit its plans and paperwork for review, and be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. At times in the past as many as four to five new pieces of business have been brought forward once the regular agenda has been concluded.