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Board schedules public hearing on six‑month moratorium for certain solar projects
Summary
The board agreed to schedule a public hearing on a proposed temporary moratorium (re‑titled Local Law 1 of 2026) that would pause processing of certain applications for six months and add a SEQR paragraph; the law cannot be applied retroactively to already‑permitted projects.
The New Hartford Town Board voted to schedule a public hearing for a proposed temporary moratorium on certain solar projects, re‑naming the item Local Law 1 of 2026 for the hearing notice.
A speaker summarized legal edits to the draft moratorium, saying the law "cannot be retroactive" and must include State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) provisions. The board discussed how the moratorium would apply only to applications filed after the law's effective date so it would not stop projects that already have permits; members cited a nearly complete Route 12 solar project as an example of a permit the town could not retroactively stop.
Board members clarified that the temporary moratorium would pause processing of new applications for a six‑month period, but that the specific language (for example whether to include certificates of occupancy) could be changed at the public hearing or afterward. Dave moved to schedule a public hearing for Jan. 7 and to publish the required notices; John seconded and the motion passed on voice vote.
The clerk was instructed to ensure the public‑hearing notice is posted and runs in the newspaper per the required notice period.
