By Blake Jackson
The Adirondack Park Agency (APA) recently approved a new solar farm in Clinton County, sparking discussions about land use in the region.
The proposed project is a five-megawatt solar farm to be located in the Champlain Valley. Devan Korn from the APA presented the plan to the board last week.
The site lies roughly a mile from downtown Keeseville and is even closer to the elementary school. Its central location drew public concern, with some opposing the project. The Town Supervisor told the Sun Community News that the area is “one of our last prime residential locations.”
APA board member Zoë Smith raised the concern with Korn, who clarified that parts of the property could still be used for other purposes. “Although 30 acres of that area are to be converted in use, the remaining area outside of that project area could potentially provide some other type of use, including residential development or commercial or whatever,” said Korn.
A portion of the property was logged about 15 years ago, which worried APA board member Art Lussi. Lussi expressed concern that the project could set a precedent, encouraging other landowners to log their properties to make them suitable for solar development. “I can’t support this project because of the fact that it’s setting a precedent," said Lussi.
APA staff member John Burth addressed Lussi’s concern, noting that the property’s logging history would not influence the agency’s review. “If it had not been logged, we would do the same analysis, and we would see where we’re at. From a staff’s point of view... it still potentially could be a situation where we were recommending approval,” explained Burth.
The APA staff ultimately recommended the board approve the project. Lussi voted against it, while the remaining board members supported the plan.
This solar farm marks the 13th approved in the Adirondacks over the past five years, with all but two located in the Champlain Valley.
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: New York, Energy, Government & Policy