Newfield Town Board talks solar projects and climate plans

On Feb. 7, the Newfield Planning Board convened at the town hall, where discussions spanned a range of pivotal topics, from leadership appointments to environmental initiatives and solar energy development.

The board made decisive leadership choices, electing Debra Eichten as chair and Thomas Heffron as vice chair. These appointments underscore the board’s commitment to effective governance and strategic planning for Newfield’s future.

Heather McCarty was a guest speaker at the meeting, addressing the Climate Task Force’s ongoing project — the Climate Adaptation Plan. This initiative, steered by the Climate Smart Communities Coordinator at no expense to Newfield, zeroes in on preparing for severe weather and flooding. These elements were identified as significant threats to the community, prompting a proactive approach to resilience and adaptation.

The planning for this initiative is in high gear, with the aim to hold it in early March. It is designed to engage a broad spectrum of community stakeholders, including town and planning board members, emergency personnel, local farmers and community members. 

“The goal of this is to come up with some actions the town can take to improve our response to storm and flooding events,” said McCarty. “Really focusing on what is more doable, practical, and how funding can be attained for those actions.”

Discussion on the proposed solar development project progressed as Town Supervisor Michael Allinger provided an update to the board on the latest developments from a meeting with the solar farm developers and town board member Christine Seamon. This briefing addressed concerns raised by both the planning and town boards, as well as by members of the community.

“The town has issued a special use permit for [the developers] to do some exploratory work,” said Allinger. “This does not permit them to build anything but allows them to look further into the details that would be necessary to build a successful solar field on the site.”

According to Allinger, a public hearing will be required before any building permits can be issued. The building permits would be issued only after the project was approved under site plan review and New York State Environmental Quality Review. 

In dialogues with the developers, concerns about the project’s oversight, supply chain and environmental impact were candidly addressed. According to Allinger, when asked if the solar panels would be manufactured domestically or in a foreign country, the developers could not definitely say who the supplier would be, but legislation in 2022 created Inflation Reduction Act benefits for purchasing panels domestically.

“But even with those incentives, cost and availability might make Asian sources more likely,” said Allinger. “They were very upfront about that.”

Allinger noted that, in response to inquiries regarding how the project might affect the landscape’s scenic and rural qualities, the developers pointed out existing natural barriers on the property’s north, south and east sides. Additionally, the land’s sloping terrain is expected to reduce significantly any adverse effects on the views.

“That leaves the west end of the property,” said Allinger. “They are willing to work with the town on appropriate vegetation to provide heavy screening of other panels from the road.”

According to Allinger, the developers demonstrated a willingness to collaborate with the town on mitigating any potential negative effects on neighboring property values and emphasized adherence to NYSERDA guidelines for responsibly decommissioning the solar facility.

Allinger said that a distinguishing aspect of this project is that the developers will retain land ownership. This contrasts with previous developments in Newfield, where land was leased, suggesting a long-term commitment to maintaining land value and stewardship over the coming decades.

“In this case, they have the best interest in the land since they will retain ownership,” said Allinger. “They have an interest in ensuring that the land value is retained within 25 to 30 years from now.”

Still in its formative stages, the solar development project invites ongoing public engagement and scrutiny. Allinger and the planning board encourage community members to participate actively in upcoming meetings and voice their thoughts and concerns as the project evolves.

In brief:

Newfield Lions pork loin dinner

Support the Newfield Lions by attending a dinner at the Newfield Fire Co. on Feb. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. The dinner will include pork loin, potatoes, veggies, rolls, beverages and desserts. The price is $10 for adults and $9 for senior citizens.

Newfield Public Library board meeting

The NPL board meeting occurs on the third Tuesday of the month at the Newfield Public Library on Feb. 20 from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

Board of Education meeting

A Board of Education meeting for Newfield Central School District will convene in the Weaver Conference Room on Feb. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.