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Cortland board approves SolarStone special-use permit for 80.33-acre solar garden
Summary
The Board of Trustees approved Ordinance No. 2026-05 to grant SolarStone Partners a special-use permit for a solar garden on 80.33 acres, with a 4–2 roll call vote; presenters said 30–35 acres would be used and panels tested non-hazardous.
The Town of Cortland Board of Trustees voted 4–2 on April 27 to approve Ordinance No. 2026-05, granting SolarStone Partners a special-use permit to operate a solar garden on two parcels totaling 80.33 acres (PINS 09-27-100-002 and 09-27-300-004).
Josh Marshall, SolarStone’s director of development, presented the project and told the board, "He showed the location and explained 30-35 acres of the 80 acres in the two parcels would be used and the location is at least 750 ft from the nearest residential property." Marshall said the company’s chosen solar panels were determined non-hazardous under TCLP testing and described how generated power would connect to local grids. He also outlined projected property-tax benefits for the Town and the Cortland Community Library if the parcels are annexed and taxed rather than remaining outside town limits.
During public comment Heather Black urged the trustees to approve annexation and the special-use permit, saying that "regardless of their approval of the special use permit, the project would be completed" and arguing the Town should secure tax benefits now. Farmer Jamie Walters also addressed the board, saying local energy production would support nearby data centers and future development.
Attorney Kevin Buick clarified procedure during the discussion and flagged a scrivener’s error in the paperwork: references to "John E. Walters" or "John R. Walters" should read "James E. Walters" or "James R. Walters." Trustee Stone moved to approve the special-use permit; Trustees Stone, Corson, Olson and Haier voted yes, and Trustees Siewierski and Fioretto voted no. The motion carried and the ordinance was recorded as Ord. No. 2026-05.
Next steps identified in the meeting: finalize corrected annexation paperwork and complete the formal annexation vote (which the board subsequently approved at this meeting), after which SolarStone’s special-use permit becomes effective under local code.
