HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB 2023-024 SEQR Carrowmoor SolarPB RESOLUTION 2023 - 024: SEQR
Preliminary Site Plan Approval
Carrowmoor Large-Scale Solar Energy System
Tax Parcel No. 27.-1-15.2
Mecklenburg Road
Town of Ithaca Planning Board, September 5, 2023
WHEREAS:
1. This action involves consideration of Preliminary Site Plan Approval for the proposed
Carrowmoor large-scale community solar photovoltaic system project, located at 1358
Mecklenburg Road. The project involves installing a 5MWac single-axis sun tracking solar
array system on approximately 30-acres of land, along with two inverter/transformer
equipment pads, battery energy storage, new overhead utility (NYSEG) interconnects and
poles, an eight-foot-tall perimeter fence, stormwater management facilities, access drive, and
other site elements. Rancich Family Limited Partnership, Owner; Nexamp Solar, Applicant;
Ryan McCune, Agent;
2. This is a Type I Action pursuant to State Environmental Quality Review Act, 6 NYCRR Part
617 (617.4 (b) (6) (i) & (8)), because the project involves the physical alteration of more
than 10 acres, and includes a nonagricultural use occurring wholly or partially within an
agricultural district (certified pursuant to Agriculture and Markets Law, article 25-AA,
sections 303 and 304);
3. At its meeting on June 20, 2023, the Planning Board proposed to establish itself as Lead
Agency to coordinate the environmental review of the above-referenced proposal, and on
June 21, 2023, notified potential Involved and Interested Agencies of its intent to serve as
Lead Agency;
4. The Planning Board, on September 5, 2023, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Full
Environmental Assessment Form Part 1, submitted by the applicant, Parts 2 and 3, prepared
by Town Planning staff, an application narrative titled “Project Overview and Narrative,
Carrowmoor Solar, Mecklenburg Road, Town of Ithaca, NY,” a set of drawings titled
“Carrowmoor Solar, 1340 Mecklenburg Road, Ithaca, NY,” prepared by LaBella, dated
06/27/23 and most recently updated 08/09/23, including sheets C001, C002, C101-102,
C201-C203, C301-302, C501-504, a Decommissioning Plan, a Glint and Glare Study, an
Operations and Maintenance Plan, and other application materials; and
5. The Town Planning staff has recommended a negative determination of environmental
significance with respect to the proposal;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board, having received no objections from other Involved
Agencies, establishes itself as Lead Agency to coordinate the environmental review of the above-
described proposal;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
PB 2023-024 (Filed 9/11) Pg. 2
That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby makes a negative determination of
environmental significance in accordance with Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law
and 6 NYCRR Part 617 New York State Environmental Quality Review for the above referenced
proposal, based on the information in the EAF Part 1 and for the reasons set forth in the EAF
Parts 2 and 3, and, therefore, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.
Moved: Ariel Casper Seconded: Bill Arms
Vote: ayes – Casper, Arms, McGurk, Wilcox, Bageant and Cameron