The proposed Hanover Road Solar Project thorough NY Hanover I, LLC was criticized upon a request for notable exceptions regarding the town’s zoning laws.

“This is the fourth proposed project in the Town of Hanover. Not one project has conformed to the regulations that we’ve put in place,” Town Supervisor Todd Johnson said. “Everyone has come in here wanting variances. At this point, I find it very aggravating every time a solar project comes up. … Nobody can conform to our law.”

The latest proposed project to come before the board includes two variance requests — one required a variance of approximately 20 feet, while the other variance is nearly 74 feet. Both variance requests would apply to 200-foot setback requirements in the Town of Hanover zoning laws.

“What’s acceptable to me is not to come here at all, to just be able to do your project and not have to worry about a variance,” said Town Councilman Lou Pelletter. “We designed this law so it would be very practical, and it hasn’t been because everybody comes in here and asks for a variance every single time.”

Hanover Town Supervisor Todd Johnson was critical of a variance request made for a solar project in the Town of Hanover.

Rita Kozak, Regional Manager for Bergmann Architectural on behalf of NY Hanover I, LLC told the board the variance requests are less than previously requested, but the larger of the two remaining variances applies to an area of wetlands at the site. Both setbacks are related to the same parcel of property, which borders conservation land.

Johnson asked the representative, “With other projects that your firm does, are there 74-foot setbacks that you put in variances all the time?”

Kozak responded, “Not regularly. We do try to design projects to meet the landowner’s requests as much as we possibly can.”

Town Councilman Ed Schintzius said, “I just think 74 feet is too much. I think it’s got to come more in line with what our zoning laws are.”

“I agree,” said Town Councilman Wayne Ashley. “You know what the area is. Build to it, don’t try to push the envelope to try to get even more.”

Johnson reiterated his stance in favor of the zoning board’s laws. “It’s a slap in the face to the people who created these zoning laws to do something like that.”

Johnson continued to share his frustration with solar projects in the town. “None of this energy goes back into the town. It goes into a grid that gets shipped to New York City. Nothing stays here, nothing reduces the cost for our residents within the town,” Johnson said. “… The town does not benefit at all.”

Kozak responded by highlighting the community solar program, which residents can subscribe to.

Johnson responded, “Everyone wants to put these up, companies like yours and other companies, and you go through hoops, and then we hear all the time, ‘It’s costing us hundreds of thousands of dollars in delays until you make a decision.’ Well, I’m going to make a decision when these companies can conform to our zoning laws.”

Johnson later shared his own personal belief on the renewable energy projects around Chautauqua County. He stated, “I’m sure a lot of residents see the big project on (Routes) 5 and 20, I never anticipated that’s what that would look like. Then you’re seeing all these transmission lines for different projects with wind towers coming through Stebbins Road. I’m sure residents never anticipated that’s what that would look like. It’s catastrophic. I’m all about renewable energy, to a point – but we have this other infrastructure ruining our towns and our little communities and the sights. That’s why people move out to this area, to look at the country, to look at nature – not to be looking at this monstrosity of equipment going up in the air. … It’s coming to a point where it’s ridiculous.”