Residents oppose Elmira's 20-acre solar project citing fire and health risks

During the Chemung County Legislative Full Board meeting on February 10, 2025, community concerns about a proposed solar project dominated the discussion. Residents voiced strong opposition to a planned solar farm on West Hill Road, which would cover over 20 acres and include a lithium-ion battery storage unit.

Andrea Renshaw, representing a group called Residents for Responsible Solar Energy, highlighted several risks associated with the project. She pointed out that the battery storage unit, comparable in size to a tractor-trailer, poses potential fire hazards. Renshaw referenced recent incidents in New York where solar farms caught fire, raising alarms about the safety of nearby facilities, including Erna Hospital and several schools, all within a one-mile evacuation radius.

The community's concerns extend beyond immediate safety. Renshaw warned that the presence of large solar fields could decrease property values and negatively impact the neighborhood's appeal. Environmental worries were also raised, particularly regarding the potential contamination of local water sources, including the Elmira Water Board Reservoir, which supplies drinking water to residents.

Renshaw urged county legislators to consider measures that would prevent solar projects and battery energy systems from being established in residential areas. The planning board is set to discuss the project further at their next meeting on March 3, 2025, and residents hope their voices will influence the decision-making process.

This meeting underscores the ongoing dialogue between local government and residents regarding energy projects and their implications for community safety, property values, and environmental health. As discussions continue, the outcome will be closely watched by those concerned about the future of their neighborhoods.