Work on Solar Law and zoning / planning process -
Allen, who was online for discussion of the Solar Ordinance, submitted the following outline of future planning work for the Town:
Complete remaining work on the development and adoption of the Accessory Dwelling Unit and Single Lot exemption code sections, which are nearing completion.
Complete remaining work on the development and adoption of a Solar Ordinance.
Development and adoption of a Planned Residential Development section.
Incorporation of other housing types, including multifamily, into select zoning districts.
Revisions and additions to the Use Schedule and Definitions in the zoning code.
Potential expansion of the Business zoning district(s).
“Agriculture Friendly” zoning audit to identify and modify zoning provisions that may be hampering agricultural activities.
Development and adoption of a Fence Ordinance.
The Board also approved a second resolution to purchase a landscape trailer for a cost of $2,695.00. The trailer will allow transport of a lawn mower by the Highway Department to locations for required lawn maintenance, including but not limited to intersections, right-of-ways, and the Town Hall.
Chair of the Solar Law Committee, Angus Eaton, updated the Board and audience on changes and unresolved issues in the current edition of the proposed solar law for Chatham. Eaton said the current edition incorporates public comments and suggestions from the February public forum on the law.
Many of the highlights focused on the interface between potential solar development and agricultural lands in the town, a reflection of the original and revised Comprehensive Plan. Eaton noted that the committee is still awaiting comments from the Chatham Agricultural Partnership and the Planning Board on the current edition of the proposed law.
The current proposal allows for four sizes of solar installations (both roof and ground mounted), with increasing scrutiny by the Planning Board and the Town Board required for larger installations. Planner Michael Allen said that the current proposal limits solar installations on “active agricultural land” and land where the soil makeup is suitable for agricultural use, except in instances where an agrivoltaic system is proposed (combined agriculture and solar generation use model).
The Board opened the floor for public comments and questions on the current edition of the Solar Law. There were comments in support of solar installations, along with questions and concerns, including these: how will approved solar developments be monitored for compliance with permitting guidelines; what impact might solar development have for wildlife; how safe recycling of solar panels and decommission of inactive solar installations will be assured; whether fire risks associated with solar installations are manageable; and how / if this local law might be overruled by the NYS siting agency to allow solar installations that are larger than what the local law allows.
The board discussed current data on speed / traffic patrols by the County Sheriff’s Department and the Village of Chatham Police Department. Data presented by Supervisor Collins showed that recent patrols are happening on roads in town hamlets identified by residents as problematic; and that both agencies are open to feedback and direction on how best to plan and execute traffic patrols.
Supervisor Collins responded to a question from the public about an announcement on the Town website indicating that speed limit reduction requests are approved for the following local highways:
Albany Turnpike, between Cotter Road and Haddock Hill, is now 45 mph.
Hartigan Road, between SR 295 and Rock City Road, is now 35 mph.
Little Lake Road, between SR 203 and Kinderhook Town Line, is now 30 mph.
Collins said the NYS Department of Transportation approved these changes on local roads, but in general that agency does not typically grant speed limit reductions on NYS highways (e.g., Rte. 66, Rte. 295, Rte. 203).
The next Town Board meeting is scheduled for May 15 at 6:30 pm, in person and online. Agenda is posted on the calendar page a day or two prior to the meeting.