Residents, town supervisor and supporters clash over large-scale solar projects

Several residents used the meeting's public-comment period to press concerns about large-scale solar projects proposed near Fultonville, citing impacts on farmland, wetlands and property values and urging the county to continue its legal challenge to state permitting decisions.

"If we do not take a stand and stop OARS now, there's not gonna be much of anything left for our children," said Linda Frye, who identified herself as an owner of Frye Stables and urged officials to defend local zoning and environmental protections. Frye and other speakers blamed a state agency they referenced as "ORS" for permitting projects that, they said, circumvent local rules; she claimed about 18,000 acres had been or were seeking permits and expressed concern about wetland mitigation and soil contamination.

Other commenters described the issue from different perspectives. Donna Hayes, a longtime property owner near Fultonville, said she and her husband relied on leasing income and worried about property taxes and home equity if panels end up surrounding their home. Chelsea Gandera said she felt "lost" and said state decisions had left her family with no protection. By contrast, Ray Dykeman said he supports solar and said the county could see economic benefits. "When all solar projects are completed, there's an estimated value to the county of around $2,000,000 a year annually," Dykeman said, and he urged officials to consider the revenue that could support farming and schools.

Town of Glen Supervisor Steve Hellman said the county and town have a role under New York's home-rule framework and thanked the county for defending local laws; he framed the county's action as a procedural challenge seeking fuller hearings and cross-examination of experts. The comments reflected a split in public sentiment, with speakers urging the legislature either to continue the county's appeal or to revisit the legal strategy if it chooses not to proceed.