A Tale of Two Public Hearings
Public Hearing on Proposed Law to Regulated Cannabis Retail Dispensaries
At the Jan. 19th Town Board meeting, public comment was sought on a proposed law to regulate where the retail sale of legal cannabis products can take place in Pine Plains, define hours of operation and impose other restrictions. Only one person appeared to ask two questions about the proposed law. The first inquiry was about who would pay for policing if, on the day such a store would open, large lines formed to purchase the products. Warren Replansky, the Town Attorney, indicated that the store owner would bear that cost. A second question about the distance such a store would have to be from other facilities was answered with an assurance that the law would require a distance of 500 feet between a cannabis shop and places such as schools, churches and several other designated locations.
A copy of the proposed Cannabis Law can be found here.
The public hearing on the Cannabis Law was held open so the Town Board can consider comments from Dutchess County. It is expected that there will be an opportunity for public comment at the next Town Board meeting on Feb. 16th at 7:00 p.m. Written comments can be emailed to: townclerk@pineplains-ny.gov, or mailed to the Town of Pine Plains, PO Box 955, Pine Plains 12567.
Public Hearing on Proposed Pulvers Corners Solar Project
for Carson Power
Over 60 people attended the public hearing held Saturday morning, Jan. 21, in the Community Room above the Library. The meeting opened with a presentation by Andrew Gordon, Senior Project Developer for Carson Power, Inc., the company hoping to construct a 43-acre (10 megawatt) solar array on a 171-acre property adjacent to the Central Hudson substation in Pulvers Corners. Gordon described the project, talked about New York’s goal to phase out fossil fuel power plants and the necessity of solar development. He outlined tax benefits for the Town and economic benefits for subscribers to this community solar project. His power point program presentation can be viewed here.
More than 15 members of the public commented on the proposal. While none spoke against the need for solar energy, most indicated opposition to the site because it would impact the quality of their lives. Many issues were raised, including noise during the six-month construction phase, the cutting of about 20 acres of trees, impact on wildlife from the fencing around the facility, recyclability of solar panels once their 25-40 year life ended, and the potential for a decrease in property values. The visual impact of the solar array was mentioned frequently along with the possible existence of a small wetland near the center of the project.
The public hearing was held open and comments can be mailed to the Pine Plains Planning Board, 3284 Route 199, Pine Plains 12567, or emailed to: planningboard@pineplains-ny.gov.
At the end of the hearing, a date was announced for a special meeting and workshop on the Carson Power proposal. However, scheduling conflicts caused that meeting to be cancelled and a new date will be set at the Planning Board’s next regular meeting on Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
A video of the entire solar project public hearing can be viewed here.
R. A. Hermans is a member of the Pine Plains Planning Board.