Lumberland addresses solar issues

By SUSAN WADE
Posted 8/19/20

GLEN SPEY, NY — Among other items of business, the Lumberland Town Board passed two solar-related resolutions at its monthly meeting on August 12. 

The first was to authorize the vote …

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Lumberland addresses solar issues

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GLEN SPEY, NY — Among other items of business, the Lumberland Town Board passed two solar-related resolutions at its monthly meeting on August 12. 

The first was to authorize the vote by the town’s representative to the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) to approve the use of a minor amendment procedure to add utility-scale solar energy systems to the UDC’s River Management Plan Land and Water Use Guidelines. Such an amendment would provide justification for the UDC to evaluate such projects that would be cited within the scenic portions of the river corridor and requires the unanimous decision of the members of the UDC. Nadia Rajsz serves as the town’s representative. 

The second was a resolution to set a public hearing for Wednesday, September 9 at 7:05 p.m. with respect to a proposed local law which would establish a six-month moratorium on the processing of applications for, and the issuance of any approvals or permits for, solar farms and solar power plants in the town. Supervisor Jenny Mellan said that although there hasn’t been a big push to develop solar projects, they want the code to address the issue because the potential is there. 

The town honored Darnell Prunka, whose service in the town’s summer youth program has spanned three decades. She started as an assistant and has served as director of the program for the last 17 years. The proclamation noted the positive impact on the lives of the town’s children. Prunka in turn thanked parents for entrusting her and her staff with their children. 

The board also approved a proclamation recognizing the 29th year of independence of the Republic of Ukraine. Sullivan County, and Lumberland in particular, has a significant Ukrainian population. 

The board also accepted the resignation of planning board chair Sharon Sparling. The board did not accept the recommendation of the planning board to allow the chair position to remain unfilled through the end of the year. Instead, they communicated to the planning board that they should appoint a member to fill the open position as well as to seek to fill the position of alternate on the board. 

Responding to inquiries regarding the opening of Circle Park, Mellan said that they don’t have sufficient personnel to assure that the needed safety protocols due to COVID-19 could be in place so the park will remain closed until further notice. 

In reviewing the town’s calendar, it was noted that the Lumberland Fire Department will hold its annual chicken barbeque on September 5 between 4 to 6 p.m. Service will be by take-out only. Also on the agenda is a Cultural Series Virtual Concert. Attendees can attend by streaming the piano concert via the town’s webpage or Facebook page at 3 p.m. on September 20. The program’s theme is “Music for Relaxation.” 

glen spey, Lumberland, town board, upper Delaware council, river management, plan land

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