Monticello, NY – With the largest community solar array in New York now located in Sullivan County, discussion of solar energy development is heating up for municipal planning and zoning boards across the County.
The Sullivan County Office of Sustainable Energy and the Division of Planning and Community Development invite local planning, zoning, and municipal officials, as well as interested community members, to an upcoming workshop exploring solar development. Representatives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will lead the training session on Wednesday, March 28,from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Sullivan County Transportation Center at 401 County Road 183 (Airport Road) in White Lake. Light refreshments will be provided for attendees.
Attendees will learn how adopting the tools and best practices in the NY-Sun Solar Guidebook will help communities prepare for solar energy development, reduce administrative burdens, attract outside investment, and lower the cost of electricity for residents. This brand new program will differ from previous sessions, as presenters will focus on the newly-developed planning and zoning section of the Solar Guidebook. Municipal officials and planning and zoning board members will have the opportunity to get input on solar development issues presently facing their communities.
“Sullivan County is experiencing a huge wave of interest in the development of large-scale solar resources, and the Office of Sustainable Energy is thrilled with the prospect of local sources of clean energy that will power our homes and businesses at competitive prices. It is essential that our town and village officials are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to understand their options and make the best decisions for all of our communities,” said Sullivan County Sustainability Coordinator Heather Brown.
Planning and zoning board members will receive training credits. Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 23 to solarhelp@nyserda.ny.gov so that your certificate will be available for pick-up at the event.
This event is free and open to the public. Limited space is available and registration is required. For further information, contact Shannon Cilento at the Division of Planning and Community Development at (845) 807-0529 or shannon.cilento@sullivanny.us.
