PETITION TO STOP THE OVERLAY ZONE CHANGE FOR THE PROPOSED SOLAR FARM ON SWEET ROAD IN THE TOWN OF POMPEY, NY

We, as the residents of the Town of Pompey, NY hereby request that the Town Board halt the overlay zone change for the proposed Tier 3 Solar Energy System (a/k/a solar farm) located on Sweet Road (Tax ID 012.-01-03.1), which lies between 3405 and 3457 Sweet Road.  

The reason for this request is due to the following concerns:  

1)    The location being considered, is directly against the advice of, and the Resolution provided by, the Town of Pompey Planning Board. 

2)    The solar farm would be highly visible from neighboring properties, the road and all those who pass by.

3)    Solar farms cause destruction of viable farmland and can destroy the peace and beautiful viewshed in our community.  

4)    The solar farm will NOT provide substantial benefit to the Town residents, nor will it provide revenue to the Town (other than a small Payment In Lieu Of Taxes - PILOT).

5)    It would disrupt the wildlife habitat and displace countless species of birds and other animals.

6)    Construction would require cutting several mature trees (approximately 3-5 acres).

7)    Unmanaged drainage systems & storm water runoff can have detrimental effects on nearby properties & federal wetlands. 

8)    Solar panels contain toxic materials (gallium arsenide, cadmium telluride and silicon dust) that are harmful to people and the environment.

9)    The possibility of fires in solar panels are a major concern, due to the release of their chemicals, which are highly carcinogenic.  They are considered Hazardous Materials and would require specialized fire safety training.