CAZENOVIA — On July 12, the Cazenovia Town Board discussed its ongoing efforts to review and address various issues associated with commercial freestanding solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The board adopted a local law imposing a 12-month moratorium on new applications for commercial solar projects within the town last month.
Since June, Town Attorney John Langey has been working with Councilor Jimmy Golub and Councilor Kristi Andersen to develop potential changes to the town’s solar laws and regulations.
During the July meeting, Ballina Road resident Gerald Mehlbaum urged the board to actively engage with the community throughout the entire review process and to share any progress or new information on an on-going basis.
“[We encourage you to] let the broad community and the citizens know what is going on, how long it is going to take, [and] what the outreach is to other organizations and other jurisdictions, because all of these issues have the potential for major impacts on the character and the economy of the town and the village,” Mehlbaum said.
Supervisor Bill Zupan responded that the town has at least 11 months left to finalize its solar law, and that the moratorium could be extended if necessary.
“When the committee comes up with a law, it is going to be thoroughly vetted here, and the public will have ample opportunity to give us input,” Zupan said. “We can change the law numerous times as we gather more information, but we need a starting point, and that is going to be the law that is written by this committee to put out to the public.”
Andersen then highlighted Cazenovia Preservation Foundation’s (CPF) “Beyond Rooftop Solar,” a series of panel discussions about commercial solar projects in Cazenovia and the surrounding area.
The councilor, who served as a panelist during the first session (June 29), “Community Planning for Commercial Solar,” encouraged Mehlbaum to attend the next session on Sept. 29. The discussion, titled “Adapting Scenic Hudson’s ‘How to Solar Now’ Toolkit for Cazenovia,” will be focused on proactively and holistically determining where solar energy systems fit and why.
For more information on the Beyond Rooftop Solar Sessions, visit cazpreservation.org.
Golub then stated that he believes it would be premature for the solar committee to have public discussions while it is still in the process of formulating its draft law.
“Once we get something to share with the public, then we want your input,” he said.
Langey added that community members are welcome to send emails or letters with their input to the town at any point during the drafting process.
“If you’ve got good ideas, send them to us,” Langey said. “You don’t have to wait.”
The Cazenovia Town Board typically meets the second Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, visit towncazenovia.digitaltowpath.org or call the town office at 315-655-9213.
