New solar farm proposal in Kirkville drums up controversy
KIRKVILLE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — A project developer at New Leaf Energy, the company at the helm of a solar farm proposal in Kirkville, called the project “small scale.”
But for residents who live next to the area where the proposed solar farm would go, they don’t see it that way.
“These people will be coming out of their houses and see nothing but a big solar farm,” said Charles Lupia, who lives on a street parallel to the proposed location.
“I’m fine with solar power, just not in a squeezed-in little area.”
Lupia is referring to the bare field, bordered by the Thruway and a residential neighborhood, where New Leaf Energy wants to put the solar panels.
Lupia and many other neighbors met on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the North Chittenango Fire House to discuss the approach they plan to bring to a public hearing in front of the zoning board on Nov. 13.
New Leaf Energy is also asking for permission to build closer to the wetlands than they are currently allowed to.
But Lupia is concerned about pre-existing drainage issues, as well as an obstructed view.
“We don’t want our houses flooded, and that’s what’s gonna happen,” Lupia said.
Lupia isn’t the only resident with plenty to share at the zoning board public hearing. Zankar Wakil lives parallel to the proposed site and plans to attend as well.
“We want to be able to talk with the town in the meeting tomorrow, and address our concerns,” Wakil said.
David Strong, the Senior Project Developer at New Leaf Energy, emphasized the company’s commitment to being transparent at the upcoming meeting.
“We’ll present all of those nuances and details to the public and to the zoning board,” Strong said.
Strong added that the project’s cost depends on its size, but could not specify what the cost could be. He said the project could be 20-25 acres in size.
“Projects like this solar project do receive federal tax credits and a state grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority,” Strong said.
The public zoning board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Sullivan Town offices located at 7507 Lakeport Road.
Strong also encourages anyone with questions or comments for New Leaf Energy to email him at dstrong@newleafenergy.com.
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