Solar Plan in East Hampton Appears to Have Some Energy Behind It

The East Hampton Town Council held a special informational meeting Tuesday night concerning a proposal to build a land-based solar array on the property of the water pollution control authority.

The plan would be to erect approximately 22 arrays that would generate about 25 percent of the power for the treatment facility. White Oak Development of Colchester would construct the solar farm at no expense to the town.

“We wanted to try and give something back to the community and we thought about building some solar panels, some solar farms, that would help power some of the municipalities - schools, treatment facilities - and provide renewable energy for the town,” said Ron Gaudet, president of White Oak. “One of the projects that really intrigued us is building a solar farm at the treatment facility here in town and it would generate a portion of the electricity,”

White Oak would fund the project, expected to cost between $1.7 million and $2 million, using state and federal grants to supplement the expense.

The land would be leased for $1 and the power generated would be provided to the facility at a discounted rate, probably 15 percent. Maintenance and upkeep would be provided by White Oak.

“It would be a visible sign of progress for the community and save a few dollars,” council member John Tuttle said. “It’s not going to save lot of money, but it will save a little bit of money.”

The solar panels would be put on a parcel of land within the treatment facility property that is currently not being used. The panels would not be visible from Route 66.

“As you can see by the slope of that hill, there is not benefit or use for the community,” said council member John Tuttle. “We’re not taking land that would otherwise be a soccer field or a building lot or senior housing.”

The town’s public utilities administrator, Vince Susco, said he had not yet met with White Oak and pointed out that the control of the land is with the joint facilities. That being the towns of Colchester and East Hampton.

Tuttle explained further.

“It’s a multitown facility. Though the town owns it, the joint facilities controls it and any plan would require its approval.

“There are some check-offs that would have to happen here.”

White Oak Development also has proposed building a solar farm for Bacon Academy in Colchester.

The presentation was first heard by the council on Jan. 11 and there was little new added to it. The concerns of a couple of council members in January appear to have been addressed, but the meeting was mostly to inform residents and allow them the opportunity to ask questions or comment.

The project is in its infancy and has not begun the process of acquiring the varous necessary approvals. Once it does, Gaudet estimates it would take six to eight months to build the solar farm.

“This does seem like a really great project. I don’t think there is anyone that is going to be against a solar farm,” Kyle Dostaler said during public comments and questions.

Dostaler, however, went on to voice his concern that without proper oversight by the town, the project might end up costing taxpayers money, and cited as an example the senior center project that was to be paid for using a grant, only to, in his words “change.”

“My concern is that without proper oversight by someone on the town staff, that this project is going to cost taxpayers unnecessary bucks."

Hiring of town manager progressing

During the regular meeting, the town council reported that 19 people have applied for the interim town manager position. The deadline for applications is Monday.

Current interim town manager Bob Drewry took over after the resignation of Jeffrey O'Keefe on Sept. 17. The town hopes to have Drewry's replacement hired by April 1. The process of hiring a permanent town manager will not occur until after the November municipal elections.