Public Hearing On Solar Moratorium - Moratorium To Take Effect

MIDDLETOWN - Roughly one year ago, the Middletown Town Board voted to place a moratorium on commercial solar projects as they develop local legislation. However, the moratorium was improperly filed, and the board is looking to reestablish it.

“I take full responsibility for that,” Supervisor Glen Faulkner humbly stated. Faulkner assures residents that the language of the resolution will mirror that of a resolution passed last July.

The moratorium will give the town time to review and adopt legislation governing solar farm projects, including provisions on storage and implementation. The current code requires issuance of a special-use permit. A law will provide additional oversight to protect the town.

The six-month moratorium was adopted following a lengthy public hearing. Faulkner said the moratorium can be extended if necessary.

Many individuals voiced opinions on potential solar legislation. Most favored regulations to protect the town.

Several residents expressed concern about the clear-cutting along Route 28 for a planned solar farm by Abundant Solar Power Inc. The moratorium will not affect the 5-megawatt commercial array as it has already been approved by the planning board following public hearings in 2025.

Faulkner assured attendees that Abundant Solar representatives have been responsive to concerns and have worked well with the town. Once solar arrays are installed, the company has agreed to plant a buffer zone to conceal the area, he explained. A decommissioning plan is in place if necessary.

A couple of residents raised concerns about the change to the water-use permit agreements with New York City. A recent adjustment during negotiations permits solar projects on all Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) land. While details remain unclear, Faulkner said it is understood that the state will be immune from local legislation if it chooses. Language for DEP projects regulates clear-cutting, he said. The agreement includes other conditions, Faulkner concluded, “Which I believe are reasonably restrictive.”

One resident said the economic repercussions of such projects could be damaging. They stated the community relies heavily on agriculture and outdoor tourism.

Eric Van Benschoten asked the board to consider regulating where panels are manufactured to ensure they are made in the US. He expressed fears that Chinese equipment may be embedded with chips.

Another resident noted that the area has abundant water, which would be a better energy source than sunlight.

“I think we are all blinded at this moment that green energy is the only solution,” said Rudd Hubbell. However, Hubbell believes the frustration with carbon sequestration is often overlooked, which is what forests do to help the environment. “Which is just as important as clean energy sources," he explained, “Right here we are well suited for carbon frustration, these mountains were made for it, our forests were made for it,”

Andes and Colchester are both working on developing solar legislation.

Councilmember Nelson Delameter noted that Meredith recently worked with a commercial solar developer to ensure that roadways are maintained and that a decommissioning plan is in place.

A committee will be established to draft a local law. Once the law is developed, the town will be required to hold a public hearing for comments before its adoption.

In other business, Timothy Roe was welcomed as the town’s new Code Enforcement Officer.

Town Board and Margaretville School Board meetings will be recorded by The Catskiller. Councilmember Robin Williams is reviewing how the public can view the recordings.

After receiving two requests to mow the town-owned sewer district leachfield for hay, the board decided to seek bids for one mowing over the 2026 season. Of the 15-acre parcel, roughly three acres are used by the district, while the rest remains a field.

The next regular town board meeting is scheduled Wednesday, May 6, at 6 p.m.