Development News for Schodack, New York

Town Board Considers Reopening Solar Farm PDD Discussion Amidst Project Modifications and Alternative Development Proposal

The Town Board is considering whether to reopen the discussion on a proposed Planned Development District (PDD) for a solar farm project. The applicant, Norbit Solar Farms, has made significant changes since the board previously voted against the project, including removing the battery energy storage system (BESS), adding more screening, and reconfiguring the interconnection point. The applicant also presented a conceptual design for a 63-lot single-family residential subdivision as an alternative, highlighting that it would be an 'as-of-right' use under current zoning, contrasting its impacts with the solar project. The board must first decide if the changes are 'materially different' enough to warrant reopening the process. If reopened, a new public hearing would be scheduled to discuss the merits of the revised solar project proposal. Public comment included strong support for the project from labor unions citing job creation and economic benefits, while some residents expressed continued concerns about environmental impacts, visual aesthetics, and the potential for a less intensive residential development.