Around 25 Ancram residents gathered at Hillrock Distillery on Wednesday evening, July 23, to voice concerns about a proposed 10-acre solar installation project for property owned by Jim Miller at 3333 Route 82. Their primary issue was how the solar panels would affect the area’s rural character and property values.
The meeting was moderated by artist and resident Derek Porter, and RIC Energy Group director of development Robert Queirolo, who fielded questions as tensions ran high. Many residents called the installation an “eyesore” that would mar the scenic corridor.
One resident who moved to Ancram for its scenic views said, “Thirty years ago, I was living in Red Hook and I rode my bicycle over [Route] 82 and came down over that hill and that valley. I said this is the most beautiful place I ever saw.”
Queirolo called concerns about the project lowering neighboring property values “largely speculative,” citing studies from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the University of Rhode Island and Cornell University that, he said, found no consistent negative impact from solar projects.
He also referenced his parents’ Hudson Valley property near a solar farm that has increased in value. “I can’t say if it would have increased more, but the impacts didn’t outweigh the market trends,” Queirolo said.
Resident Andrea Gaschke remained skeptical. “The first thing I’m going to do if this goes forward is get in touch with my real estate agent and get my house reappraised,” she said.
The meeting produced several potential compromises for the town Planning Board to consider as it weighs RIC’s application. Residents suggested relocating the solar array to a lower, less visible location on Miller’s property and conducting visual impact assessments from both public as well as private vantage points.
They also proposed using reflective surfaces to test glare impact on neighbors and drivers, and screening the solar project with a line of tall trees. Gaschke said Miller could flatten other parts of his property currently unsuitable for solar development due to steep terrain, potentially making those areas compliant with town zoning requirements.
Resident Les McCarthy of Skyline Road called for a referendum, saying, “Forget about changing the site. Just kill the damn deal or die on the battlefield.”
Queirolo reminded attendees that New York state case law holds that property owners have no legal right to views across neighboring properties.
He noted that there are significant tax benefits to having solar energy but could not provide specific dollar amounts for potential tax savings or electricity bill reductions for residents, explaining that once the energy enters the grid, it is operated by the utility provider Central Hudson rather than the developer.
Queirolo also emphasized the project’s benefits amid the growing energy demand from artificial intelligence, data centers and electric vehicles.
“Creating electricity locally will build out great resiliency to combat surge pricing,” Queirolo said. He added that solar projects have minimal community impact compared to other developments: “There is no additional demand on water, public schools, etc.”
Some residents questioned the Planning Board’s public notification process and document sharing. Queirolo said the Board has reviewed more than 30 submission documents from RIC with input from the board’s engineer, town attorney, environmental planner and Columbia County Planning Board.
Porter said he plans to compile a report of the questions and takeaways from the community meeting to submit to the Planning Board at its next meeting, scheduled for Aug. 7.