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Rhinebeck planning board approves remediation plan, lifts violation for 23 Boyce Road solar work
Summary
The Rhinebeck Planning Board voted to issue a negative declaration under SEQR and approve site plan, wetland and special-use permits for Alexander Wright’s 23 Boyce Road property after the applicant agreed to implement Hudsonia’s remediation recommendations and pay outstanding consultant fees.
The Rhinebeck Planning Board on May 19 approved a resolution finding no significant environmental impact and authorized site plan, wetland and special-use permits for work at 23 Boyce Road, concluding a months‑long review of unauthorized clearing related to a rooftop solar installation.
The board conditioned its approval on the applicant implementing recommendations in the Hudsonia report dated Nov. 15, 2024; paying outstanding consultant fees and escrow; and maintaining the required plantings over the life of the property. Planning staff said the zoning enforcement officer would inspect the plantings after installation and again in one year to confirm survival and replacement of any dead material.
The board heard that the property received a notice of violation after vegetation and trees were removed from a wetland buffer in late 2023 during installation of solar equipment. Planning staff said Hudsonia recommended increasing the number and placement of shrubs and species selection to withstand deer browse; the applicant revised plans to double the originally proposed shrub count to a total of 48 to remediate the removal.
Planning staff said that once Hudsonia’s recommendations are implemented and consultant fees are paid, Zoning Enforcement Officer Brian Tam would consider the violation satisfied and would lift the stop‑work order so the applicant may continue the solar installation and remediation.
Board member Jim read the short Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) parts 1–3 aloud and the board issued a negative declaration under SEQR, finding no significant environmental impact that would require a full environmental impact statement.
The board then moved to adopt the approval resolution. The roll call recorded affirmative votes from board members who answered: Edwin (aye), Ron (aye), Sharon (aye) and Reese (aye); the motion carried and the board secretary was authorized to provide the approval resolution and next‑step instructions to the applicant.
The approval attaches the EAF, requires adherence to the Hudsonia planting plan, grants the wetland permit conditioned upon site plan approval, and authorizes the planning board chair to sign the plans once conditions are met.
The resolution notes that all materials submitted for building permits must match the planning board–approved documents, or building permits may be rejected.
The board emphasized that the planting requirement is a covenant running with the land and must be maintained by future property owners.
