GRANVILLE – The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the variance for a South Lane solar project Monday night.
The proposed solar installment is located on 274 and 275 South Lane and owned by Doug Roberts. Along with C-Tec, the solar company representing the project, Roberts has proposed two separate large-scale ground mounted solar photovoltaic installations, with 274 South Lane consisting of 25 acres and 275 South Lane at about 18 acres.
The Zoning Board of Appeals is seen looking over the variance requested by C-Tec. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
With the state’s Green Communities Act requiring that all solar projects have to be five acres or less, if an applicant wants to have a solar project of more than five acres, an approval of a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals is required.
Beginning the meeting, the Zoning Board allowed C-Tec to have a continuous discussion with the public in attendance. According to the representatives of C-Tec, the solar array on 274 South Lane, which is the Eastern side, will have a setback far from the road. The Western side or 275 South Lane, will be closer to the road. Some residents were concerned about how close or far the solar arrays will be from the road, C-Tec assured them that this meeting was in the preliminary stages.
“Once we moved forward, then we’ll have a plan,” said Josh Caley of C-Tec.
The Zoning Board did add that for solar projects in town, there has to be setbacks of at least 150 ft. in the front, 30 ft. from the side, and 30 ft. from rear.
Granville residents and abutters of the solar property attended the meeting on Monday night. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
According to Caley, the solar panels for this project would be warrantied for up to 25 years, but the panels actual life span is 35 to 40 years.
If the project ended up being approved in the future, abutters of the two parcels were worried about the potential noise the construction could create. C-Tec informed the public that they would hear noise, primarily excavators, which would sound like a farming operation.
Gina Placek, who is an abutter on both parcels, addressed her concerns to C-Tec.
“How much consideration is being put into the people it’s directly affecting?” said Placek.
C-Tec noted that they would go through a civil engineering process before the construction period, and would conduct a line of sight to go over the issues with abutters.
“We really want to work with the community,” said Caley.
Placek also discussed the potentially negative impact the solar project could have on the value of her home.
“We wouldn’t have bought the property 10 years ago if we knew there would be solar,” said Placek.
Since the Zoning Board approved the variance, C-Tec will now be able to develop a site plan and apply for a special permit with the Planning Board.
