Dear Folks, As you probably know, Distributed Sun is proposing several large-scale Community Solar Projects in the Town of Dryden. A public hearing is being held:
THIS WEDNESDAY, April 26, at 7 pm at the Neptune Fire Hall, 26 North St., Dryden Please consider attending and giving your comments on the project in 3 minutes (or less). You also may email your comments on the project to: <mailto:board--towncl...@dryden.ny.us>board--towncl...@dryden.ny.us There are many reasons to support solar energy, of course--especially community solar, and this company appears to have been at least somewhat responsive to the concerns of neighbors. On the other hand, the project will use a vast amount of open space, and trees will be cut, including part of the evergreen stand on Dodge Rd. that is precious to birders (and birds). Several people have suggested on this listserv that the best placement of solar panels is on rooftops and above parking lots--I love those ideas. Since I moved to this area 35 years ago, I have watched open space whittled away, piece by piece, and watched our rural landscapes become less and less attractive, both to people and wildlife. Many places I cherished are now gone. When will it stop? Should we have a plan for making sure enough open space is left? How do we place a value on open spaces? Whatever your views, I hope you will express them. Below are links to the most helpful information. If you spend 5 minutes looking at each set of maps and 5 minutes reading the FAQ, you will have a pretty good feel for the project--in 15 minutes. --Sandy Podulka Town of Dryden Web page with info on the Solar Project: http://dryden.ny.us/departments/planning-department/permit-review-links/special-use-permits/ FAQ on Project and Changes made: (from Distributed Sun) http://dryden.ny.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/DrydenSolar_FAQ.Categ_.flc_.mm3_.pdf Maps of development in Ellis Hollow: (Scroll down to C-111 to see where trees at Dodge Road would be cut) http://dryden.ny.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2.-Ellis-Tract-Site-Plan-Drawings.pdf Maps of development along George Road: http://dryden.ny.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/2.-2150-Dryden-Road-Site-Plan-Drawings.pdf -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
