HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB 2024-006 SEQR Carrowmoor Solar modificationPB RESOLUTION 2024-006: SEQR
Site Plan Approval/Condition Modification
Carrowmoor Large-Scale Solar Energy System
Tax Parcel No. 27.-1-15.2
1358 Mecklenburg Road
Town of Ithaca Planning Board, February 20, 2024
WHEREAS:
1. This action involves consideration of approval of a modification to the Site Plan for the
proposed Carrowmoor large-scale community solar photovoltaic system project located at
1358 Mecklenburg Road. The Planning Board granted final site plan approval on November
7, 2023, for a 5MWac single-axis sun tracking solar array system on approximately 30-acres
of land along with two inverter/transformer equipment pads, solar energy battery storage,
new overhead utility poles, an eight-foot-tall perimeter fence, stormwater management
facilities, access drive, and other site elements. The modification involves moving the
medium-voltage line so that it runs parallel along the Mecklenburg Road frontage instead of
crossing through a farm field on the property. The Planning Board will also consider
modifying condition “a” from Resolution No. 2023-032 related to the receipt of an Army
Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional Letter. This is a Type I Action under the State
Environmental Quality Review Act for which the Planning Board issued a negative
declaration of environmental significance on September 5, 2023. 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. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board granted final site plan approval for this project on
November 7, 2023, after establishing itself as lead agency in the environmental review on
June 20, 2023, and issuing a negative declaration of environmental significance and granting
preliminary site plan approval on September 5, 2023;
4. The proposed modifications to the project explained in Whereas #1 above require
reconsideration by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board;
5. At its meeting on February 20, 2024, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board proposed to
establish itself as Lead Agency to coordinate the environmental review of the above-
referenced proposal. Potential Involved and Interested agencies were notified of its intent to
serve as Lead Agency on February 12, 2024;
6. The Planning Board, on February 20, 2024, 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, plans prepared by LaBella, titled “Carrowmoor Solar, 1358
Mecklenburg Road, Ithaca, NY 14850,” including revised sheets C002- Revised Site Plan,
PB 2024-006 (Filed 2/20) Pg. 2
C202- Site And Utility Plan, C203- Turning Movements, C302- Grading And Erosion
Control Plan And Road Profile, dated 01/04/2023, revised January 2024, and other
application materials; and
7. 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:
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: Fred Wilcox
Vote: ayes—Casper, Kaufman, Wilcox, Arms, Cameron and McGurk