Supervisor Christa Filipowicz has announced the Town of Clarkson is on its way to becoming a “greener” community, notably through solar projects, but also with substantial additional benefits to the community negotiated by the Town Board.
The Borrego Solar project is located on Redman Road and is a 6.2 MW solar array on 49 acres. This was the first company to approach the town since the Solar Law and Overlay District was enacted. This floating overlay zoning is granted by the Town Board if the project meets specific criteria and offers substantial benefits to the greater good of Clarkson. Borrego Solar was granted this zoning once the neighbors’ concerns were addressed and a Community Host Agreement was executed. In short, this agreement provides $400,000 to be paid to Clarkson before any permits are issued. The money has been received and is reserved for the update and renovation of the Town Hall. The historic 1899 building is in need of work and a large part of this project can now be done without the use of tax dollars.
A second project, NexAmp Solar on Lake Road, will be installing a 5MW system and also offered a unique agreement to the town in order to capture the overlay zoning designation. This agreement was more complex but includes $81,000 in unrestricted funds to be paid up front to the town and a PILOT agreement will be in place for 15 years. This also includes a lease agreement that states that the rent paid by the solar company to the landowner will instead be used to benefit the community. The landowner will transfer the land to the Town of Clarkson and assign the lease payments to the Town of Clarkson for the purpose of recreation and to the Town of Sweden for the Sweden Clarkson Community Center. This donor has been a longtime supporter of the Sweden Clarkson Community Center, parks and programs in the community.
These projects have set the standard for solar projects in Clarkson as the town continues to work toward becoming a green community and have additional tangible benefits for all.
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