Proposed solar project in Newfield close to approval

A proposed solar project off Millard Hill Road in the town of Newfield is near the finish line.

But first, a final round of approvals is needed before the project can break ground.

TJA Clean Energy, based in New Bedford, Massachusetts, with a satellite office in Syracuse, proposed the solar farm in August.

The project, led by Michael Frateschi, president of TJA, will be a community solar farm spanning 25 to 30 acres. Frateschi noted that the proposed solar farm will share land with the current owners. According to Frateschi, the owners currently use more than 50 acres for farming.

“We are just going through the set-plan approval and conditions,” Frateschi said. “We’re making sure that we are able to meet the conditions and they’re [feasible].”

At the Sept. 11 town board meeting, Newfield Supervisor Mike Allinger said that TJA had requested that the town hold off on a New York State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR). 

Allinger added that the hold allows the town and TJA to continue working on the conditions of approval for the project.

“Once that’s set, we’ll be able to finish the approvals and the SEQR and finalize any easements we need in our connection to the project,” Frateschi said.

Allinger mentioned that, as part of the conditions for approval, the town, Newfield Central School District and Tompkins County must agree on the payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for the project.

“So, while there is progress, it is somewhat slow moving,” Allinger added.

Fratsechi said that with projects like this one, TJA “always wants to go quicker.” However, he added, many stakeholders are involved in the process.

One resolution that TJA had with town residents was a concern about landscaping on the property where the solar farm will be located.

Overall, Frateschi said that the project is in good shape.

“We try to make sure all stakeholders are happy and all public concerns are addressed,” Frateschi said. “It would’ve been sooner, but it is what it is.”

Construction for the project is set for 2026. Frateschi mentioned that once TJA goes through the building permit process in the winter, the project can begin in late spring — depending on whether the land is dry.

The project will include the implementation of sheep grazing on about five acres of the facility. 

Frateschi said the landowner, who currently grazes cattle in the area, will be “managing the [sheep] flock on the property” for vegetative maintenance and implementation of solar grazing.

If the project is approved, the farm would be responsible for tending to the sheep and providing general care, including visits to a veterinarian.

“It’s always a good feeling when a project is [nearing the end],” Frateschi said. “It’s taken a long time, but I appreciate working with this town board. They’ve been very reasonable and thorough. They care about public opinion, but they also care about the law. It’s been a nice change for us when we work with someone who’s willing to do things the right way.”

The anticipated cost of construction is $9-10 million, Frateschi said in the past, noting that the benefit of the project will cover about 600 to 800 town residents.

Fratsechi also mentioned that TJA is donating $20,000 to the Newfield Fire Department to upgrade its equipment. 

Newfield FD will consider replacing its current utility task vehicle (UTV) with a new one. The department uses its UTV for rural properties, including the location of the proposed solar farm. Such properties are difficult to access with the department’s bigger vehicles.

In brief:

Church in Newfield to hold fall festival

Newfield United Methodist Church will hold a fall festival on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event includes crafters, a bake sale, a silent auction and a luncheon.

For more information, contact Mary Beth Gehring-Smith at maryb121@lightlink.com.

Library announces movie night Sept. 26

The Newfield Public Library announced it will host a movie night at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26.

The library will show Superman, the recent movie directed by James Gunn. Free popcorn will be provided.

For more information, go to newfieldpubliclibrary.org.

Upcoming Newfield BOE meetings

The Newfield Board of Education is scheduled to meet Oct. 9 and 23, each time at 6:30 p.m., in the Weaver Conference Room on the second floor of the elementary school at 247 Main St. in Newfield. 

The public is invited to attend. For more information, contact district clerk Lori Owens at lowens@newfieldschools.org. Meeting agendas are available at newfieldschools.org.

Yoga at the library every Saturday

A yoga for beginners class takes place from 10-11 a.m. on Saturdays at Newfield Public Library.

Phyllis KuanYin Chi, a yoga teacher certified through Yoga Farm in Lansing, leads the class. The instructor has additional training in trauma-informed yoga.

The class is held on the second floor of the library. It is suitable for people new to yoga or those with mobility issues. There is also an opportunity to deepen poses for those with more experience.

The class is for ages 18 and older. Participants must have their own yoga mat or blanket. The class is free, but there is a suggested donation of $10.