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Planning board conditions clearing/grading for 2.4 MW Darnell Road solar field amid wetland and visibility concerns
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Summary
The board reviewed a long-standing proposal for a ~2.4 MW solar array on Darnell Road and said planning had required screening and planting; members pressed for permits and cautioned about wetlands, floodplain crossings, and end-of-life recycling for panels.
Planning staff updated the board on HQCA Clean Energy’s pending 2.4-megawatt solar project at the bottom of Darnell Road. The application has been before planning for several years; members said planning required larger planting islands and screening and asked the applicant to satisfy state and DEC permit conditions before final site work.
Board members discussed visibility from Darnell and 94, the need to route site work around sensitive wetlands and the timing of clearing to avoid bat-nesting windows. Several speakers raised lifecycle concerns for solar panels and battery or storage needs, and questioned whether rooftop solar on large commercial buildings might be preferable to ground-mounted fields. Planning staff said the applicant had been responsive on screening and plantings and that, from an environmental perspective, conditional approvals and mitigation measures were in place.
Members noted the applicant now seeks a clearing and grading permit before final site-plan sign-off; they reminded the applicant that vegetation, reclamation bonds and agency permits (including DEC/USACE where applicable) must be in order before significant site disturbance.
