Town of Sharon
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Its sad and infuriating to read about what should have been an avoidable solar project mess in Sharon. The project seems to be a fait accompli, so Ill spare you my opinions of solar farms. Or of our genius Ex-governor Cuomo, and home rule. Ill simply echo the last line of the Times Journals recent editorial on this issue: Keep beating the drum, and eventually someone will listen. The area tv stations need newscast material in order to survive. Id bet that more than one would bite at the opportunity for a look-see / progress report on a sacred NYS green energy project / human interest story. You know, after NYS stripped local authorities of their oversight authority. And some might even take a genuine interest and continue to follow this on their own, occasionally checking back in. Let me help get you started: WTEN - news@news10.com, phone: 436-1010, fax: 518-426-4792 WNYT - newstips@wnyt.com, phone: 1-800-999-WNYT, fax: 518-434-0659 WRGB - news@wrgb.com, phone: 518-381-4988 Spectrum - albanynews@charter.com, 518-641-NEWS And the sooner you get this ball rolling, the better. The last thing NYS wants to see (especially repeatedly) is their pride and joy getting a black eye on the 6:00 news. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- solar farms are a lie. They are destroying our ecology. The largest NY City land grab since the reservoir system. We have our lives impacted and they get jumbo screens. Stand up and fight these ponzi scheme. here is how it works. they find desperate people with land and offer a lot of money to bail them out. With the promise of income for 20 or 30 years. Then they sell the project, and that person sells the project and each time the security for the deconstruction money gets moved, but not always. then the last company builds it out or sells it again to build out. then the state brings in immigrant workers (at pennies on the dollar) and eventually the project can not make money. the company goes bankrupt after they received all the government subsides. The technology is old with poor efficieny. Look up Oak Hill Solar in duanesburgh. LAND OWNER BEWARE. The land owner currently has a 1.5 million dollar lean on their property. and the panels collapsed and are laying on the ground. Or look Palentine Bridge Solar. They filed bankruptcy and the land owner is stuck. I heard a land owner in Howe caverns was offered 400,000 a year for 20 years. What does that do to the caverns and open fissures with run off. I heard they crew in sharon was filling fissures with stone and dirt. This is dangerous. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Solar farms never produce the amount of energy it takes to make the the panels it is a net loss. NYSERDA is requesting 300000 acres of solar farms. its not a community solar as most of the energy is going to NY. Its time to push back on these farms. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why is the solar farm people busing in immigrants to do the work? We need to put a moratorium on solar farm in Sharon NY. Why are they using Sakon Road instead of Beech road as proposed to the town? Please issue a stop work on the solar farm as they are over the 5 acre threshold allowed by NYSDEC. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My husband and I moved to this quiet little quaint town in 2016 , I was happy for the first time in my 59 years of life . I am now even more miserable than I was before moving here! I suffer from PTSD , panic disorder , anxiety disorder , We moved here to get me healthy , which I WAS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My husband and I moved to this quiet little quaint town in 2016 , I was happy for the first time in my 59 years of life . I am now even more miserable than I was before moving here! I suffer from PTSD , panic disorder , anxiety disorder , We moved here to get me healthy , which I WAS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hello I am so glad my husband and I moved to Empie Rd when we retired , now we have non stop noise trucks speeding up and down our road , earth shaking rock crushing machines from 7:30 am till 5pm !!! This is a shame and amheart fully sorry we moved here !!!!!! Not to mention the view we will have when done . I have also heard in a short 15 years the panels will be obsolete and sent to landfill. This whole thing is a shame ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why ruin valuable farm lands especially when the price of meat, dairy and eggs are through the roof. Why not start programs for adults and children to learn valuable trades. Learn how to garden, start a huge community farm rather than solar panels that I will shoot at every day. You are doing nothing but pushing away wildlife out of their habitats. These towns are only here for the money and not the people. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For anyone that has said and thinks that these solar panels/farms will have some type of reduction on your property taxes, I am not sure where you are getting your information from but you are 100% incorrect. You will not reap any benefits especially financially from these solar projects, actually the exact opposite will happen, it will drive your property value down. They are not installed to help people in the community. Why do you think the governor has made it a point to enact the ability to overrule town voting on these projects ? It is because they know it only hurts the surrounding area but there is big money in it. Not for the community, but for the company and state. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- smaller community solar projects seem to make sense as long as the developers pay to screen them. If a property owner wants this on their land - its a free country. Regarding taxes: compare a 30 acre plot with an ag exemption - to the $ from a solar pilot. Prime soils argument makes sense if the land is being used for food crops; if its abandoned ag land, or simply used for hay or cow corn? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think it is bullshit to remove farmland for solar panels. Find a different place and stop ruining the environment and land for the libtards. Say NO to solar. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I support the solar project as a tax revenue will make the neighborhood better. Go solar! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I support the solar project! It is a great use of land and projects like these are necessary for the future and health of the planet. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hello. I just recently purchased a house along route 20 in Sharon Springs and now found out there will be solar panels all around my property. Is there any way to say no to this ? Or is this a done deal already ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There are observed nesting northern harriers on the property. This habitat must be protected for grassland birds. What is the carbon foot print of the solar panel manufacturing, clear, and installation? It surpasses the energy produced by the panels. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am continually hunting on the web down articles that can help me. There is clearly a great deal to think about this. I think you made some great focuses in Features too. Continue working, extraordinary job ! I Just Published an article for How to choose a good welding machine? Your audience will love. Also You can Visit: <a href=https://www.bsamachinetools.com/best-welding-machine-review/>portable welding machines</a> <a href=https://www.lazarmy.com/best-wood-for-live-edge-table/>best wood for live edge table</a> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seems like the governor is officially a split personality. Maybe just dont do the solar on farm land and save a few million? https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-525-million-available-protect-new-york-farmland ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are AGAINST the proposed Solar Project in Sharon Springs, NY. We moved to Sharon Springs for the Peace, the Nature, the Rural Life, and now they are proposing to allow a Solar Site next to my property. I want my Government to stop looking at the $$, and start protecting our citizens from such ridiculous proposals in our Farm Country. I am AGAINST the Sharon Springs NY Proposed Solar Project, 17-F-0599 John M. Papp Kim Papp Gilberts Corners Neighborhood Association 435 Gilberts Corners Road Sharon Springs, NY 13459-3507 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have written content specific to your industry in order to produce a professional explainer video. Our process is so easy I can explain in under 10 minutes and, when implemented, it can get your business its next 100 clients/customers. I recently used this strategy with a client who is in the same industry as you, breaking down their pitch in fun, engaging, and oftentimes animated video formats that almost tripled their monthly sales rates. In the meantime, I have some sample explainer videos that were made specifically for your industry... Should I send them over? -- Sharon Jefferson Email: Sharon@videoexplainers.online Website: http://videoexplainers.online ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finding a marketing solution that fits perfectly within your niche and industry may mean a lot of guesswork, mistakes, and wasted time and money. I saw your site - and I know I can help. My team has produced several explainer videos in your exact field (we have created thousands in the past few years). Video is an absolute MUST in 2020. Let me know if you might be interested in seeing whats already working for others and a few samples that we have already worked on in your field. -- Sharon Jefferson Email: sharon@shortexplainer.com Website: http://shortexplainer.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If the new solar project affects the value of the property in the area who would be responsible. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I travel to Sharon Springs for the country atmosphere and the scenery. The solar farm is not something I would look forward to visiting. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- in light of the new virus situation, is the solar meeting which is slated for 3/19 still on or postponed? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am not opposed to solar energy, although like most people, I would prefer it not be located so close to my property. What I am opposed to is a PILOT program that would allow Nextera to pay something less than their fair share of taxes. I am not a party to the negotiations between the town and Nextera, but I am assuming the purpose of a PILOT agreement is to reduce the taxes paid by Nextera below those which the rest of us must pay. As I see it, the town has literally nothing to gain from this project other than taxes. The power generated will go into the grid (at rates higher than other forms of power generation), and reportedly only three permanent jobs will be created, likely to be filled from outside the area. While some local folks may be employed temporarily during construction, I suspect that the majority of the construction will be done by specialized crews that travel the country installing solar farms (I know that is the case for wind farms). Therefore, the only thing of value for the residents of the town for having this facility forced upon us by the state would be a reduction in our taxes. And if I have my figures right, that reduction could be substantial. The total taxable assessment for the town is $86 million (see page 334 of the 2019 final assessment roll), which represents 75% of value. Although the Nextera folks wouldnt tell me the cost of the East Point facility, a general rule of thumb for large solar projects is approximately $1 million per megawatt, or roughly $50 million for the facility as planned. Im told it could be more, perhaps as much as $80 million, but Ill use $50 million as a conservative estimate. 75% of that is $40 million, which if fully taxed would increase the taxable assessment of the town by 46.5% to $126 million, and thereby reduce the tax burden on the residents of Sharon by a little over 30%. That is a substantial benefit that could somewhat mitigate the impact of having this facility, over which we have no control, forced upon us. And believe me, notwithstanding the fact that the final decision will be made by a PSC board on which weve been granted a few local representatives, if the state wants this project it will be built here. As an environmental professional who has worked on similar projects, I can assure you that if Nextera chooses to jump through all the Article 10 regulatory hoops, as onerous as those may be, the project will be approved, since there will ultimately be no adverse environmental impacts that cannot be mitigated. Nextera may say that the project is not economically feasible if forced to pay 4.5% tax every year ($45/$1000 for combined county, town and school tax), and if so I think the state of New York should compensate the town for the shortfall. Why should the residents of Sharon be required to carry the entire burden for the states desire to reach a renewable energy goal that they have set? Let the entire population of the state share in that burden. Having said all that, when this facility is built, it is my hope that they will employ all of the new and developing environmentally friendly practices, such as under planting with pollinator-friendly crops, or otherwise allowing some use of the area around the solar arrays for agricultural purposes. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Important Post. Thanks for Sharing. https://www.solarpanel.wiki/12v-solar-battery-charger/ have a look our Article Cheers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First I would like to know if the tax rate on these properties will be raised to relect that they are no longer Agricultural but commercial . Next the crap they use around the pannels to keep the grass down will inevitably get into the ground water . Third there is nno real savings being given on electric that is just a fallacy . Then there is the ugliness of the panels themselves.I can Understand Farmers installing personal panels to run their arms but this is not the case. This is a commercial endeavor to make money . ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- https://highriverenergycenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Fig3HighRiverBuildable11x17L.pdf ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- there are 3 giant solar farms are planning or in permitting process in 10 miles range. if you don''t approve and support it, others will go further to hook up on the grid. 1-https://www.eastpointenergycenter.com/ 2-https://dailygazette.com/article/2017/04/04/900-acre-solar-farm-proposed-in-canajoharie-minden https://www.communityenergyinc.com/mohawk-solar 3-tap root solar in root town and canajoharie ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a solar far is a must have tech to provide financial aid for local farmers as they are strangling for surviving. a solar farm is the best way to help our taxes and electricity needs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is a link to the state site with all the documents regarding the solar project. http://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/MatterManagement/CaseMaster.aspx?MatterSeq=54553 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- good afternoon, I would like all available information on the solar panel proposal. I am highly concerned about the effect they will have on the environment, the property value, and atheistic of the area. Please reach out to me as soon as possible. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It certainly seems that the company doing this project really don''t seem concerned with the town. They are only concerned with their bottom line. Read the comments that they just released on the PSC website. For each point that is brought up about the impact of the environment or impact on neighbors they state they will try to limit the impact where practicable. When I here that, I hear If it works for us we''ll do it. Otherwise too bad for you. East Point Energy Center LLC does not seem to care much for the people in the town. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Needs to be done. I couldn''t think of a better place then the development along hwy. 20. I WOULD RATHER SEE THE PANELS ON 20. I would say that having them placed on hillsides off of country roads would TAKE AWAY ANY SCENIC VIEW.Since when is the walmart dc and broken houses (abandoned) ON 20 SCENIC... lets get on with it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I''m not necessarily opposed to this but PILOT negotiations need to be robust. Also, reviewing the PSS, I''m concerned there aren''t appropriate plans for accessing county/town roads during construction, especially if the project is placed on the High Hill property. Gilbert''s Corners Road and Argusville Road (the south end) aren''t appropriate; drivers travel them way too fast now, even with the speed signs on Argusville. Homes are too close to the road on both roads and there are too many animals/pets. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If the Article 10 process indicates that a solar facility is feasible at this location, the following concerns shall be adequately addressed to the satisfaction of the citizens of the Town Of Sharon, and NYS. There shall not be negative impacts to the visual quality of the Route 20 Scenic Byway. There should be consideration for vegetative cover that will be beneficial to pollinators. Facilities for storm water management shall be designed and maintained with an ecosystem approach. These facilities shall have a capacity to prevent and protect adjacent properties from erosion, as well as protect the groundwater aquifer from pollutant infiltration. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Has the project company considered the Karst Limestone formations upon which the panels will rest? Although the formation is stable, the dis-uniformity of the formation could be a headache for the company and cause many change work orders. Who picks up the costs for installation adjustments? Will the potential of cost overruns addressed in the PILOT agreement? Has any other Article 10 Project for solar installations of this magnitude been approved in NY State? Where? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Living elsewhere in Schoharie County, I am reluctant to tell the residents of Sharon to put up with a big change to their scenic view.However, there are ways to lessen that change--shrubbery, for instance. Technology, especially storage batteries, is changing rapidly. But global climate change is very real, and we''re running out of time. We absolutely must dramatically cut our use of fossil fuels, and this at a time when our President is doing everything to thwart renewable energy production. Yes, Sharon''s residents should benefit financially. Weed control should not include poisons. But fossil fuel use must be eliminated wherever possible, and fast. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Solar energy may be a short term solution to an energy crisis. The town should consider the possibility that the solar array may deteriorate beyond the companies ability to repair in a short period of time. Therefor, make sure an escrow account is established (by the solar company) to remove the solar panels and refurbish the land area should the solar energy company close and/or file for bankruptcy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Its a scenic byway! Dont ruin it with solar panels! The small town is starting to come alive again please dont ruin it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Although I dont live in Sharon I can tell you that there are far too many complaints along Route 30 where they built monstrosities in solar panels ....people are turning from using this energy source because it takes away from the beauty of our counties Wind farms are far more beautiful but again not right off route 20 Although I have to say they are most beautiful on the hills in Cazenovia! And the leases on mostly for 20-25 yrs years and guess what the people are going to be left with to clean up? Sounds to me like theres a lot of research that needs to be done especially a Historic byway such as route 20! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All such solar projects should be undertaken by government - owned and administered by the citizens of the community - in this case I suggest Schoharie County - thus reducing the cost of energy for the whole community and adding to the wealth of the local economy as well. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am a proporty owner in Seward and would like to find out more about who the Company is who is proposing this solar project? I would like to preform some research on this company as far as impact to our community etc.. Can someone provide the address and contacts for this company. thank you MStefanacci@live.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Concerned about spraying chemicals to control weeds. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Solar panels would be an eyesore on Route 20 which is designated a Scenic Byway.
