Tomorrow, December 9th, Hecate Energy will host two public meetings at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM via ZOOM to outline details of its proposed 60-megawatt solar facility to be sited in Copake and Craryville, NY. In addition to a formal presentation, representatives from Hecate Energy will answer the public's questions and hear comments and concerns.

This is the community's opportunity to voice your opposition to Hecate Energy's solar project that will dramatically change the landscape and character of our rural community and region for decades. Some critical questions Hecate Energy must answer... 

- If Hecate Energy cares so much about our community, why is the Illinois-based developer advancing a solar project that does not comply with Copake's zoning laws and prohibition on large-scale solar installations?

- Why is Hecate Energy advancing its massive solar project in our community when it is in direct conflict with the Town of Copake's Comprehensive Plan and Farmland Protection Plan?

- Why is Hecate Energy asking the Columbia County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to provide the company with a tax break by issuing the company a PILOT (payment-in-lieu-of-taxes) when both the Copake Town Board and Taconic Hills Central School Board voted to require Hecate Energy to pay 100 percent of real property taxes should the project advance?

- How is Hecate Energy protecting our community's natural resources such as Taghkanic Creek, wetlands, and forests; wildlife and birds; and prime farmland by building a 360-acre industrial solar facility that will include 200,000 solar panels, battery storage units, chain-link fencing, security lighting, access roads, and large transmission lines?

- How will Hecate Energy compensate the dozens of abutting homeowners and farmers who will see their property values decrease by as much as 10 percent, and their ability to sell their properties in the future greatly diminished?

Below are ZOOM links to tomorrow's two public meetings. To access Hecate Energy's presentation in advance, click here. Please note that Hecate Energy's presentation includes the first map showing the exact location of the solar panels, as well as other key elements of the facility.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 | 1:00 to 3:00 PM EST

Zoom Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/92076530658
OR call 929-436-2866 and enter Meeting ID: 920 7653 0658

Wednesday, December 9, 2020 | 5:00 to 7:00 PM EST

ZOOM Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/j/93309856697
OR call 929-436-2866 and enter Meeting ID: 933 0985 6697