Board discusses local solar project sale; escrow and host-community agreements must be satisfied before work proceeds

The Canton Town Board discussed the sale of a local solar project near Old Deal Road, noting the project was sold from REV Renewables to Aurora Renewables and that the town holds escrow money from the original developer that must be addressed before any new work begins.

According to the meeting record, the town has an escrow amount connected to REV Renewables (recorded in the minutes as "64,74.50"). Board members said the town will reimburse REV once it receives proper paperwork and then expects Aurora to present a new escrow agreement. Members stressed that a buyer cannot begin construction until the escrow is in place and until pilot agreements, a host-community benefit agreement and any required road‑use agreements for town roads are satisfied.

Board members also questioned whether a new owner can rely on planning approvals obtained by a prior owner. Several members said the new owner will most likely need to go through any outstanding planning-board or permitting steps if construction has not yet started, especially if escrow monies and community-benefit commitments are not yet in place.

The chair directed staff to follow up with planning staff and legal counsel to confirm what approvals will transfer, what must be refiled and to obtain the correct escrow paperwork so the town can reimburse the original developer and accept a new agreement from Aurora Renewables.

Next step: town staff to request the escrow paperwork from REV Renewables and to contact Aurora Renewables about a new escrow and community-benefit documentation.