Credit: Mary Jenkins
The Milan Town Board meeting began five minutes early on Monday night, July 15, allowing residents to voice their concerns at a public hearing regarding proposed Local Law #1 of 2024. No residents attended the hearing, and the law was unanimously ratified.
The new law, prepared by board members Debra Blalock and Jack Campisi, amends Chapter 200 of the town zoning code governing land use and building regulations. This update aligns the code with the 2020 New York state law specific to solar energy systems. “Some off-site generators had been prohibited in town,” said Town Supervisor Alfred Lo Brutto. “Our zoning law had to be changed to accommodate state law.” The update will allow large commercial solar panels (greater than 20 megawatts) to operate in Milan, subject to municipal regulations.
In other business, the board voted 4–0 to approve the settlement reached between the Town of Milan Assessors and Double D Ranch and Land Company, ending three years of litigation. (Board member Kevin Peck was absent.)
Glenn Butler, superintendent of highways, answered questions from council members about the cost of repairing two bridges and culverts on Torre Rock and Battenfeld roads. “They’re at the end of their useful life, and need replacement,” he said. The repair costs, totaling $42,900, will be covered by the existing highway budget through an interdepartmental fund transfer, which was approved unanimously.
The meeting concluded with the board approving additional fund transfers, including one to cover the construction of a new pickleball court at Milan Recreation Park.