The green space on Coopers Farm Road in Southampton Village is a cherished community asset. It serves as a designated park area enjoyed by children, dog walkers, joggers, and wildlife alike. However, our local government has proposed to build a solar array field on this precious land and make updates to existing infrastructure at an estimated cost of 3.5 million dollars.

Solar energy is undoubtedly important for our future and we fully support renewable energy initiatives. However, the return on investment for this particular project does not justify the loss of our green space or the significant expenditure of public funds.

According to data from National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), it takes about 21 years for a solar panel system to pay back its initial investment costs in New York State due to varying factors such as installation costs and weather patterns affecting sunlight exposure.

We urge our local government to reconsider their plans and explore alternative locations that do not involve destroying valuable community spaces or spending an exorbitant amount of taxpayer money. Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving our green spaces and responsible use of public funds.