The question of how, where – and if – large-scale solar should be allowed in Yorktown resurfaced this month as the Town Board considered changes to the town code.
If approved, the law would ban such systems in residential districts while allowing the two projects currently under review to move forward, exempting them from the new restrictions, Town Attorney Adam Rodriguez said.
During the Jan. 20 public hearing, the board heard from residents and kept written comment open for two weeks to allow the Planning Board and Climate Smart Communities Task Force to weigh in.
Some opposed banning large-scale, ground-mounted solar in residential zones. Others supported the ban but also opposed the grandfathering.
Jann Mirchandani, a former Democratic candidate for town supervisor, said she opposed the amendments.
“It replaces smart planning with a blanket ban,” she said. “This law restricts rights rather than enables them. This law prohibits large-scale solar in all residential districts, not conditionally—categorically.”
She added that the developers of the two projects – on Jacobs Road and Dell Avenue [respectively] – “were told to proceed at their own peril, because new standards would apply to them.”
She said grandfathering in the two projects “sends a very poor message and reinforces the perception that Yorktown does not enforce our codes evenly or consistently.
“It creates uncertainty for residents and developers alike,” she added. "Will the agreed upon parameters still apply a year from now?”
She urged the board to “strengthen” the town’s process for how special permits are reviewed and “reject this blanket prohibition.”
Supervisor Ed Lachterman said he is waiting for Planning Board and Climate Smart input before deciding.
“I am not convinced that solar belongs in residential areas,” he said. “But as we heard from our residents, some people do believe that is a necessity and can fit in certain areas.”
Councilman Ilan Gilbert said he is weighing all aspects of the debate and plans to visit proposed project sites before deciding.
Councilwoman Susan Siegel opposed grandfathering. She said that is “very clear” in the two 2024 moratoriums.
“It makes no sense to say the installations are ugly, don’t belong—and then let two proceed,” she said.
She suggested a floating zone, which Gilbert also supports exploring, to allow large-scale projects on a case-by-case basis with clear site plan requirements.
Councilman Sergio Esposito said he contacted both project vendors and met with one of them at the Jacob Road site for an additional walkthrough. He invited Gilbert to join him, he said.
“Although I have not made any formal or definitive decision regarding the grandfathering portion of the law, I am still laboring over my choice,” he said. “We also have a scheduled meeting with the solar company for this particular site for further discussion.”
Esposito is waiting to hear back from the Dell Avenue project to schedule a walkthrough and discussion.
“I will make my final determination when an official vote is called,” he said.
Councilman Patrick Murphy said he is waiting for more information before taking a public position.
Solar is expected to return to the agenda at the end of February.
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