Back in 2012, when the town of Clay first got interested in using solar power for some of its municipal projects, there was still a question of whether this renewable energy could gain popularity in a climate known for harsh winters, not abundant sunlight.
Having answered that question in the affirmative, the problem the town now faces is that solar power is too popular, and various policy issues and provisions with respect to commercial projects needs to get updated.
As such, at its May 4 meeting the Clay Town Board approved a public hearing, set for June 1, on the board’s decision to impose a one-year moratorium “on the consideration, approval, and development of any and all commercial solar array installations and commercial solar utility
substations within the town of Clay.”
Supervisor Damian Ulatowski said that this is not a case of the town turning its back on solar energy.
“We just need to pause and study this and thoroughly vet it out,” he said. “And we want to give the public a chance to weigh in.”
The moratorium does not apply to residential addresses or individual houses. Also, two commercial projects that previously sought the board’s approval will be allowed to continue through its process.
Ultaowski said that, ever since the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority sent a $75,000 grant to Clay to help promote the use of renewable energy, the town used those funds to update its grid at both Clay Town Hall and its Highway Department building, which provided substantial savings.
Also, in 2019, NYSERDA named the town a Clean Energy Community, allowing it to apply for another $150,000 in state grants which it hoped to use converting streetlights to LED technology.
“We want to do it in a way that respects the environment and community, while also recognizing that we’ve demonstrated leadership on this issue,” said Ulatowski.
Another public hearing by the town board on June 1 will address the town’s use of the $50,000 it annually receives from the Onondaga County Community Development Division.
Ulatowski said these funds will primarily be used to repave and upgrade the approximately 180 miles of center-line road in the town. The reason for a public hearing is because many of these roads run through residential neighborhoods.
Since New York State issued its stay-at-home orders in mid-March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, town board meetings have been remotely held, and will do so again on May 18. Ulatowski said that, if phase one of Onondaga County’s reopening plan works and it moves on to phase 2, the June 1 meeting could be open to the public.
