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Benton moratorium on commercial solar draws board concern about farm soils
Summary
The Yates County Planning Board reviewed a proposed Town of Benton moratorium on commercial solar projects and urged protections for prime agricultural soils and alignment of zoning with comprehensive plans; the board determined the referral had a positive countywide impact under GML 239.
The Yates County Planning Board reviewed a Town of Benton proposal to establish a moratorium on commercial solar collection systems. Member Steven Hullings said there is a “massive” proposed solar collection system in development and urged towns to limit the percentage of prime soils used for solar to preserve agricultural land.
Board members discussed the need for consistency between town comprehensive plans and local zoning codes. Hullings’ motion that the referral has a positive countywide impact under GML 239 was seconded by David Adam and approved. The county review flags considerations for protecting prime agricultural soils as towns draft permanent solar siting rules.
