I am a concerned resident of Yorktown and urge members of the Town Board to SUPPORT the Freestone 3-megawatt ground-mounted solar installation proposed for 1805 Jacob Road and to vote AGAINST the proposed restrictive law that would eliminate virtually all future community solar projects in Yorktown with the amendments to Chapter 300-81.4: “Solar Power Generation Systems and Facilities” - Draft 2.

I fully support renewable energy, as it reduces the production of climate warming gases, reduces unhealthy air pollution, is affordable and not dependent on fluctuating fuel prices.  

Why should Large-Scale Ground-Mounted COMMUNITY SOLAR projects in Yorktown be Supported?

Energy Needs

The Town of Yorktown has significant new construction and growth. Solar farms produce most energy during peak usage times, keeping the grid stable.  Also, as we migrate from gas and oil for transportation and heat, we will need more clean energy. 
Yorktown residents, businesses, and institutions currently consume ~260 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.  Currently, Yorktown has 649 completed solar systems with about 26 megawatts of capacity. To offset 100% of Yorktown’s current  electricity use, we need 800% more solar than we have now.  The need is clear.

Development Options

Solar farms are good neighbors.  They do not cause noise, traffic, air or water pollution, have no garbage or recycle collection, put no load on our schools, don’t emit light pollution but still pay taxes.  Any other type of development will be an environmental negative, while clean, quiet solar farms are an environmental plus.

Financial Benefits

COMMUNITY SOLAR projects provide, at no cost to the town or residents, a guaranteed electricity bill savings for 25 years for the residents who sign-up, creating lower energy costs for hundreds of households, providing more affordable renewable energy to seniors, renters, fixed income consumers and homeowners that cannot add solar to their roofs. 

Protect Property Values

Properly designed ground-mounted COMMUNITY SOLAR can enhance the appeal of our neighborhoods by demonstrating our community commitment to clean energy, making Yorktown more desirable and increasing property values.

What Legislation is Recommended?

I recommend the existing solar legislation be amended with improvements in visual shielding and setbacks etc. as listed in Draft 1.  In this case, the Town Planning Board will continue to act as in the past to review and approve any proposed projects.

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The Proposed Jacob Road Project:

This Community Solar project will result in the creation of a new NATURE TRAIL from Jacob Road past the solar farm and wetlands, down to the Hunter Brook Preserve and there is also a plan to create an environmental education area along the trail, with benches for sitting and enjoying nature. Also, five (5) ACRES WILL BE DONATED to the Westchester Land Trust.

While some trees will be removed for the solar project, according to the EPA the annual carbon reduction from this 3.1 MW solar project will be equivalent to the carbon reduced by 1,654,614 ACRES OF US FORESTS.

This Community Solar project will be very well shielded by MATURE trees.  And the panels will only be 10’ high (vs. 15’ elsewhere).  Working with the Town Planning Board for 3 years, the developers have designed a project that recognizes the natural landscapes and will maintain wildlife (which would not be the case if the land were used for other types of development). There is extensive graphic modeling that shows the site will be very difficult, if not impossible to see due to the trees.

The site slopes away from the existing residents.. There is also an extensive stormwater management plan that is part of the project - draining into an existing wetland on the property that will continue to provide wildlife habitation.

Yorktown’s open spaces, strong sense of community, and beautiful residential neighborhoods are what make this town special. This project helps protect them and creates a more sustainable future for all of us – especially our children and future generations.

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I Urge the Town Board to Take Action Now!

I ask you to SUPPORT Freestone’s ground-mounted solar and vote NO on the proposed law that will stop this project and others like it whose developers wish to work with the Planning Board.

In addition, I urge you to CREATE A CLIMATE ACTION PLAN that identifies specific areas for additional responsible solar solutions, including, for all viable locations:

• Solar canopies over parking areas
• Town of Yorktown promotion for rooftop solar on residential and commercial buildings
• Solar on all Town of Yorktown buildings 

Please listen to the concerns of Yorktown residents like me and take action before it’s too late!

Sincerely,
Yorktown Resident