Yorktown to Hold Solar Law Public Hearing

07/18/20: The following is a statement from Supervisor Matt Slater about Tuesday's public hearing:

This Tuesday, July 21st, at 7:30 p.m. the Town Board will reconvene a public hearing pertaining to a proposed solar law. Despite the challenges the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused, the Town Board has followed an aggressive schedule by convening 12 public hearings since May 12th with four more public hearings scheduled through August 4th.

Tuesday’s public hearing is exactly that, an opportunity for the Town Board to hear from the community about the proposed Solar Law. Currently, the Town of Yorktown’s code does not provide a method of approving or disapproving of solar projects other than roof-mounted solar panels. The discussion on Tuesday is solely focused on the proposed law and not any potential project. The Town Board has been presented with several solar projects that require the solar law to proceed, including IBM’s Solar Carport and a similar proposal at our own Granite Knolls Sports Complex, which could potentially generate revenue for the Town.  

If Yorktown wants to participate in society’s embrace of renewable energy systems, we need to impose parameters to intelligently govern an approval process. New York State is working toward its goal of 50% energy generation from renewable sources. Similarly in 2011, President Barack Obama challenged the United States by having 80% of its electricity come from clean energy sources by 2035.

Engaging in a collaborative conversation produces comprehensive results. Tuesday’s hearing is the public’s opportunity to engage in this important conversation about the future of renewable energy in Yorktown. To participate in the conversation please contact the Town Clerk at dquast@yorktownny.org.

Contact:  Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater, 914-962-5722 x201 or mslater@yorktownny.org