With plans for a new commercial solar energy production system in place for Southold Town’s landfill, at least one resident had questions.
A public hearing was held at this week’s planning board meeting on the proposed site plan, which calls for the construction of a ground-mounted commercial solar energy production system consisting of 3,456 modules, at 7’4″ tall, covering 1.65 acres on the town’s capped landfill, with a 17′ x 18′ inverter and transformer along with associated ground equipment.
Existing on the site are 25,000 square feet of existing buildings, including the town’s transfer station and associated accessory structures on 61.2 acres in the light industrial zoning district. The parcel is located at 6155 Cox Lane, just northwest of County Route 48 in Cutchogue.
The planning board, led by vice-chair Jim Rich in Chairman Donald Wilcenski’s absence, said the hearing would be left open due to some issues with notification of neighbors.
Jason Funk, development manager at SunEdison, said the project included a 20-year lease with Southold Town, with lease payments paid for the life of the project.
The town will enter into a 20-year purchase power agreement with PSEG, Funk said.
SunEdison has been working with the town; the project is currently before the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, because in order to construct the photovoltaic array, SunEdison must receive a letter of authorization from the DEC indicating that engineering designs have been reviewed and are compatible with the landfill. In addition, a visual assessment was submitted to the town, based on the fact that Route 48 is considered a scenic byway.
One resident had questions, including how much the 20-year lease was worth to the town.
After the meeting, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said the lease is for $22,000 per year, with the town having received $18,000 for an option on a three-year lease at the landfill.
Rich said the amount is determined by the town board.
Other questions involved the height of the project on the capped landfill, “one of the highest spots on the North Fork,” with residences nearby. A neighbor asked that a maintenance schedule be included in the plan to care for the hedge and arborvitae meant to shield the project, which needs to be trimmed.
The cost should not be borne by town workers, he said.
Funk said care of the arborvitae can be incorporated into the maintenance plan.
Another concern centered on the visual impact of the project, with the fear that poles could be placed “haphazardly,” the neighbor asked that the poles be placed in a level, uniform manner.
The hearing was held open until November 2.
