Deny Greenskies Proposal - Submitted to Planning and Zoning Commission for 12/5/24

WHEREAS: Bates Woods is zoned as Open Space, not for utility or energy development;

WHEREAS: The site under consideration for a new solar array is currently in use for recreation, wildlife habitat, and wildlife viewing and provides additional, difficult-to-quantify benefits such as clean air to surrounding communities;

WHEREAS: Greenskies Clean Energy has not demonstrated consideration of other sites in proposing a new solar array for New London; and

WHEREAS: feasible and prudent alternative sites exist including parking lots, rooftops, and other underutilized areas; 

WHEREAS: The City of New London has not discussed how Greenskies’ proposed solar array will benefit residents of New London, especially with regards to specific compensations for the accompanying loss of access to open space and park land; and 

WHEREAS: New London has not solicited any public input regarding appropriate alternative sites or desired investment in renewable energy; 

WHEREAS: The City of New London and Greenskies have not discussed any provisions for repairs, upgrades, decommissioning or renewal of the proposed project, all of which would carry additional impacts to the community;

WHEREAS: The City of New London has a pattern of disinvesting, neglecting and ignoring public parks, especially Bates Woods; and has actively encouraged dumping of construction debris in Bates Woods over the past two years, which has impacted wetlands, wildlife and native plants, and negatively affected neighbors’ interactions with the park;

WHEREAS: This proposal coming to fruition allows for private profit from public park land;

WHEREAS: At least 200 unique individuals have lent their time and energy to Bates Woods Park in the past several months by participating in clean-up, trail maintenance, and beautification efforts; 

WHEREAS: New Londoners are in favor of renewable energy and deserve the opportunity to give meaningful input on the next Plan for Conservation and Development, including the importance of increasing investment in renewable energy sources; 

THEREFORE, we the undersigned, a group of concerned New London residents, call on the Planning and Zoning Commission to DENY Greenskies Clean Energy’s application for a permit to begin construction.