Solar potentially making its way to Keeseville

KEESEVILLE | The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) is now seeking public input on a proposed solar farm in town. Catalyze is looking to construct a 5.0 MWAC commercial solar generating facility on approximately 35 acres of land between Grove Street and NY-22. "I don't think anybody here is necessarily against solar, but we want it done correctly," said Town of Ausable Supervisor Tim Bresett. "So, we're watching this proposal very closely." The supervisor's most significant concern is with the location of said panels. "We have been trying to do all we can to encourage some smart development because we do need places for people to live," Bresett said. "The proposed location is an area that is currently zoned residential, and it is one of our last prime residential locations." Bresett continued to say that he wouldn't mind, however, seeing solar development on another nearby parcel of land that is dubbed a brownfield site — land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes that is now vacant, underutilized, or abandoned, and may be complicated by the presence, or potential presence, of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants. "We can't do anything with that brownfield, but I'm sure they could have," said Bresett. "In my eyes, [it makes more sense to] take a worthless piece of property and do some good with it, rather than taking property that's designated for housing. But I think they've gone too far down this road with this project even to consider something else." If APA approves the project, Catalyze — the leading renewable energy developer for efficient, revenue-generating, clean energy in commercial and industrial real estate — will need to present its proposal to the town for approval. "I do foresee that they'll need to go through planning and likely zoning, too," Bresett said. "I just hope they take a good, hard look at the impact on residential lots and the closeness to residential that's already existing. We also don't want the town and the residents to have to pay for it." APA's window for public input is through Aug. 14. Those wishing to comment can do so online by visiting apa.ny.gov. "If you look at the history of the APA with solar, they [proposals] do go through, and they do get passed. There have been some substantial ones, much larger than this, that have appeared in the Adirondacks, so I am anticipating that it will pass, but I don't know what the public comments are," Bresett said. "If everyone wants it, then no big deal, but if there are concerns, it's time to voice them." For more information or updates, visit townofausable.com.

Signup for our newsletter

Solar potentially making its way to Keeseville

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS