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Zoning board refers contested Goomer Street solar plan to Planning Board after neighbor protest
Summary
An application for a ground‑mounted solar array at 3611 Goomer Street was adjourned May 28 and referred to the Planning Board after staff flagged ordinance requirements (2‑acre minimum, 30‑ft setback, 10‑ft height limit) and a nearby resident submitted a strongly worded objection.
The Yorktown Zoning Board of Appeals on May 28 adjourned and referred an application for a ground‑mounted solar array at 3611 Goomer Street to the Planning Board, after building staff and the board concluded the Planning Board has primary authority to review special permits for ground‑mounted solar under the town ordinance.
Applicant Muel Pantes (represented at the hearing by Felix Reyes) told the board the parcel falls short of the town’s two‑acre threshold by a small margin. Building and planning staff noted multiple compliance items the applicant will need to resolve, including a 30‑foot setback requirement (the submitted plan showed approximately 28 ft), panel height limitations (not to exceed 10 feet) and maximum coverage rules under the ordinance. The board advised that the Planning Board would examine layout, screening and any changes needed before the zoning board could consider variances.
The board also entered a written objection from neighbor Dena Tomkins, who warned the proposal would harm the neighborhood’s natural character. In the emailed comment read into the record, Tomkins wrote that the arrays would be “monstrosities” and described concern for the “flora and fauna of that undisturbed natural sanctuary,” urging the town to consider impacts before approving installation.
Chair John Meister and staff explained the procedural path: the Planning Board must first review the special‑permit application and may request plan changes; if the Planning Board approves a permit that would leave the applicant needing an area variance from the Zoning Board for lot size (two acres). The Zoning Board adjourned the item and advised the applicant to work with planning staff to resolve setbacks, height, coverage and to close out unrelated outstanding building permits (the inspector’s memo flagged an unpermitted pool deck on the site file).
The board did not vote to approve the project; instead the hearing remains open while the applicant pursues Planning Board review and returns with any revised plans and memos addressing outstanding building‑department violations.
