The town of DeWitt has passed a local law that would speed the process of installing solar panel energy conversion systems on residences and businesses in the town by modifying the requirements needed for installation approval.

The law, approved unanimously by the board, allows those interested in installing solar panel arrays to gain installation approval by the office of planning and zoning, rather than getting a permit from the planning board.

“Currently, our code requires for approval of a solar panel installation to go in front of the planning board to grant permits. There is no need for this under this local law,” Town Supervisor Ed Michalenko said during a Jan. 26 public hearing.

No residents were present to speak at this public hearing.

Samuel Gordon, director of planning and zoning, said adopting this code change would make it easier for residents and businesses to install renewable energy systems on their properties. This change applies only to rooftop panel systems, which are not in plain view and will not disrupt the aesthetic value of properties that choose to install a system, he said.

According to recommendations made from the Onondaga County Planning Board, there would be no environmental impact from passing this code change and, if anything, it would be a positive change, Gordon said.

Michalenko said he is hopeful that this law will encourage more people in the town of DeWitt to install a solar panel energy conversion system.

Also at the meeting, the board:

—Held a public hearing to install a stop sign on Hazlehurst Avenue at the intersection of Craigie Street, in response to a request from neighbors in that area. Residents in this area brought up concern they had over the safety of this intersection at a neighborhood watch meeting, Michalenko said. No residents were in attendance at the public hearing. The board unanimously approved the installation of a stop sign at that intersection.

—Unanimously approved putting the town parks building up for sale, which is located on 5889 Butternut Dr., East Syracuse. The asking price for the building would be $1.2 million and would be listed through the town of DeWitt, according to Town Manager Michael Morocco.

“This is not a seller’s market; it hasn’t been for 25 years,” said Kerry Mannion, a DeWitt town councilor. “But I think this is a well located piece of property.”

Hayleigh Gowans is a reporter for the Eagle Bulletin. She can be reached at [email protected].