To: Steven A. Vescio, Mayor, and the Village of Briarcliff Manor Board of Trustees

From: Concerned Residents of Briarcliff Manor and Ossining

We, the undersigned residents of Briarcliff Manor and Ossining, respectfully urge the Village Board to reject the proposed 97.04-acre commercial solar farm project at 345 Scarborough Road.

While we support responsible renewable energy development, this industrial-scale project is inappropriate for this location and would permanently alter the character, environment, and quality of life of our community.

The proposal would require large-scale forest clearing and the removal of thousands of mature trees, resulting in significant habitat destruction, disruption to wetlands and wildlife corridors, and the loss of natural stormwater absorption that helps protect neighboring properties from flooding and drainage issues. Residents are also concerned about the long-term environmental risks associated with industrial solar infrastructure and potential contamination risks should equipment degrade or fail over time.

This project would introduce industrial infrastructure — including transformers, inverters, fencing, access roads, and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) — directly into a residential and environmentally sensitive area. Battery storage facilities present additional safety concerns due to the risk of lithium-ion battery fires, which are extremely difficult to extinguish, can burn for extended periods, and may release toxic fumes into the surrounding area. Many residents believe our local fire departments should not be burdened with the specialized equipment, training, and hazardous response capabilities required to manage these types of industrial battery fires within a residential community.

Neighboring residents have also raised concerns regarding chronic electrical humming and noise pollution from the facility, visual impacts from 8-foot solar panels and associated infrastructure, and the permanent loss of the semi-rural character that defines Briarcliff Manor.

There are serious concerns regarding potential impacts on nearby property values and whether this site is an appropriate location for a commercial energy facility of this scale. Many residents believe alternative locations such as rooftops, parking canopies, brownfields, and previously developed land should be prioritized instead of clearing protected open space and forested land within a residential community.

Residents are additionally troubled by the developer’s regulatory history. In July 2024, a New York State order reportedly directed YSG to show cause why its operating authority in New York should not be revoked following multiple alleged violations, raising important questions about oversight, accountability, and long-term stewardship.

This is not opposition to clean energy — it is opposition to placing a large industrial project in the wrong location at the expense of residents, wildlife, open space, public safety, and community character.

We respectfully request that the proposed Solar Farm Project at 345 Scarborough Road be rejected.

Please sign this petition and make your voice heard.

A public Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:15 PM at the Briarcliff Manor Public Library. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in public comment but can also tune in via Zoom, if you cannot make it in person. Please see the local website to join via Zoom.