The Millerhurst Farm, a “National Bicentennial” family farm and New York State “Dairy of Distinction” in Ancram, NY, needs your support to Save Scenic Ancram by protecting the historic farming character of our small town.

Call to Action:  

Please read and sign this petition

Email your concerns to planningboard@ancramny.org 

Visit www.SaveScenicAncram.com

Attend the Thursday, April 2nd 7pm Planning Board Meeting on the proposed Ancram Solar Array @ Ancram Town Hall

Displayed on roadsides and mounted in the vestibule of Town Hall, you can read our town motto, “Ancram, Historic Farming Community…Moving Forward”.  Ancram takes pride in its rural beauty and farming heritage, while also embracing change.  For instance, in recent years, residents have used alternative energy options, like locally generated solar and wind power, for their homes and businesses. Small-scale solar arrays have been tastefully integrated into community architecture and landscape, with minimal visual impact. To date, no industrial solar projects have been developed.

RIC Energy, a large foreign energy company based in Spain, has proposed a ~10 acre industrial solar project (~ 8 football fields of solar panels!) located on prime farmland at 3333 Route 82 directly adjacent to this historic dairy farm!

If you are local to our area, you know that the Millerhurst Farm is nestled in a bucolic valley.  Commercial businesses in Ancram are mostly farms renowned for their milk and dairy products, sweet corn, pumpkins, and pick-your-own berries.  Other small businesses also rely on the fruits of the land, like a boutique farm distillery which features “field-to-glass” spirits.  Residences are primarily located on large parcels, sprinkled among the rolling forested hills and cultivated fields.  While some families here can trace their roots back 250 years, others have settled more recently: importantly, we all share a deep love of this idyllic landscape and have great respect for those who tend to its historic farmland.

The proposed industrial solar array, which would benefit a single landowner and a foreign developer, will undoubtedly permanently scar Ancram’s rural landscape- and forever damage Ancram’s community character.

The Ancram Solar law adopted in 2021, clearly articulates that “Pursuant to the Town of Ancram Comprehensive Plan, Ancram has established an overall policy establishing its desire to maintain its predominantly rural character, preserve agricultural landscapes, open space, important scenic views, and infrastructure appropriate for a small, rural town.” 

Industrial Solar projects under 10 acres are permitted under a special use permit, only if “the character and appearance of the proposed project shall be in general harmony with the character and appearance of the surrounding neighborhood and shall not detract from the scenic qualities, rural character, and visual qualities of Ancram’s landscape and historic character”

Please sign this petition to oppose industrial development on this parcel of Ancram’s precious farmland and voice concern that the project would materially damage the historic, rural character of our special valley.  To learn more - visit www.SaveScenicAncram.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo of the Q. Tron XL-G@ Series Solar Panels RIC Energy plans to install adjacent to Historic Millerhurst Farm in Ancram, NY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A professional viewshed analysis shows in red all the locations, both public and private, that will have a view of this industrial solar project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new service road, utility poles, transformers, fencing and array panels are annotated on the parcel at 3333 Rte 82.  This industrial project is severely out of character for the rural agricultural setting and surrounding neighborhood.

To learn more about this project - visit www.SaveScenicAncram.com