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Resident urges Ancram board to opt out of 15-year solar tax exemption before project approval
Summary
A resident warned the town that state law may allow a proposed solar project to receive a 15-year tax exemption unless the town adopts a local opt-out; she urged the board to consider a local law or resolution and wider public notice before planning-board approval.
During public comment, Emily Miller opposed a proposed solar project near a local farm and urged the Town Board to consider a local opt-out that would prevent a 15-year tax exemption for such projects under state law.
"A real property law 4 87 that allows for these solar projects to be tax exempt for 15 years," Emily said, urging the board to consider adopting a local opt-out before developer approval and to notify residents. She said many residents she spoke with were unaware of the project and of the tax-exemption consequence, and recommended the town explore a local law or resolution to preserve tax revenue.
Board members discussed where to find the state statute and noted that Copake has adopted an opt-out. The Supervisor said he would investigate and speak with neighboring town officials to learn how they implemented the opt-out process. The board acknowledged the matter would require a public hearing before any local law could be adopted.
The public comment raised two separate issues for board follow-up: (1) whether to request public notice and information to affected residents and (2) whether the town should pursue a formal local opt-out under the cited state provision. The board asked staff to gather the relevant statute text and details for discussion at a future meeting.
