Solar Project Developers Present Revised Planting Plan to Millburn Board

The Goshen Planning Board meeting on August 7, 2025, focused heavily on a revised planting plan aimed at mitigating glare from a proposed solar panel installation. The discussion highlighted the importance of effective landscaping to address community concerns about visual impact and glare reduction.

Dan Kruskowski, representing the applicant, presented the updated plan, which includes new plantings of arborvitae in critical areas identified in a glare analysis. The southwest corner of the site was pinpointed as a problem area, prompting the proposal for taller plantings—specifically, 12-foot trees—to provide immediate shielding. Kruskowski emphasized that these trees are expected to grow to around 20 feet within two years, significantly reducing glare levels from previous estimates.

The board raised questions about the specifics of the planting plan, including the number and types of trees being proposed. Kruskowski confirmed that the plan now includes over 300 trees, an increase from previous iterations, and addressed concerns about deer resistance in the selected varieties. The discussion also touched on the timing of the plantings, with plans to establish them before groundwork for the solar project begins, ensuring they have time to grow.

However, board members expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of existing tree lines in certain areas, particularly Area 6, where current vegetation was described as sparse and inadequate for glare mitigation. The board requested further clarification to ensure that the planting schedule aligns with the glare study's requirements.

As the meeting concluded, the board underscored the need for precise coordination between the planting plan and the glare analysis to ensure community concerns are adequately addressed. The outcome of this discussion will play a crucial role in the project's approval process, with further evaluations expected in upcoming meetings.