By 3-2 vote, the Town of Lancaster granted a Special Use Permit to Andrea DeBernardis of AC Power 14, LLC to install two (2) Co-located Ballasted Community Solar PV Facilities to be located on two (2) parcels on Gunnville Road.

After a very contentious / controversial work session and pre-file resolution public comment session, those voting approval were Supervisor Ruffino, Councilmember Mazur, and Councilmember Wozniak. Voting ‘no’ were Councilmembers Leary and Dickman.

Prior to resolution voting, Wozniak suggested adding two stipulations (conditions) to the resolution language:

1. Completion of Department of Conservation (DEC) study on impact to landfill cap and affect on wildlife and environment concerns.

2. Requirement of a bond prior to project construction that takes into consideration all the projected expenses associated with the decommissioning of the project in the future.

Before voting ended, Leary asked for clarification why there was no vote taken on the addition of conditions. Voting continued with no response from the board members.

The subject was later broached at the public comment session at meeting’s end. The discussion led to board consensus that added reasonable conditions suggested by all board members would be considered and added by resolution at the next board meeting to the approved Special Use Permit. Conditions that would hold the project sponsor accountable ensuring the town’s best interests were being served - held harmless should the project fail or by expenses at project decommissioning time.

NEXT: Part II: Project concerns shared by board and public