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Neighbors, engineer press board on visual impacts, decommissioning costs for solar project
Summary
Residents and an independent engineer urged the Ancram Planning Board to get objective visibility data and clearer decommissioning assurances, saying long‑term disposal costs and community character were not fully addressed in applicant materials.
Several residents and an independent engineer told the planning board on Aug. 7 that visual impacts, community character and module end‑of‑life disposal need clearer, objective analysis before the board finalizes its environmental conclusion.
Kenneth Bresner, a professional engineer who worked for New York DEC for decades, told the board he did not find photo simulations sufficient and recommended field‑based visuals (balloon or drone shots) and clearer decommissioning information. "I do not agree having a visualization is sufficient," he said, adding that the application should address removal and hazardous‑waste disposal costs for panels at end of life. The applicant responded that a decommissioning plan addressing removal and disposal had been submitted and reviewed by staff and consultants.
Neighbors also raised process and notice concerns. Lawrence Golder, an adjoining landowner, said a prior meeting lacked public notice and argued that procedural irregularities should be addressed. Andrea Bel Gasquet distributed a written letter raising concerns about public outreach and said she volunteered to assist with communications. Board members acknowledged the outreach complaints, explained the board's volunteer staffing limits and urged focused, constructive comments going forward.
