Christian Schlesinger with ForeFront Power and Owen Hunter with Arcadis Engineering discuss the proposed solar project near Chautauqua-Stedman Road in the town of Chautauqua. P-J photo by Gregory Bacon

A proposed solar project in the town of Chautauqua is upsetting some neighbors.

During the July town board meeting, a public hearing was held regarding a proposed 3.75 megawatt solar project to be constructed at 6455 Cadenza Passage, which is close to Chautauqua-Stedman Road.

For around 45 minutes, neighbors shared their concerns regarding the solar project, with the developer there to address some of the issues.

Before the hearing began, Town Supervisor Don Emhardt said no decision would be made that night, adding that the hearing will remain open through at least their August town board meeting.

Christian Schlesinger with ForeFront Power said the project would be located on about 20 acres of land. He said they have 30 to 40 other solar projects like this in the state.

It will be connected to a National Grid substation near Chautauqua Institution. He described it as a “community solar project,” noting that it could help local residents lower their electric bills. He said the electricity will not be transported downstate.

Neighbors Bert and Mary Rappole expressed their concerns about the proposal. They said they don’t like the idea that it will be visible from their home, including the possibility of them having glare from the panels. “We would like them to plant, instead of 6 foot trees, 20 foot trees right behind us so we have screening initially and we don’t have to wait until I’m dead before we get it,” Bert Rappole said.

Schlesinger said they prefer planting smaller trees because larger trees are less likely to survive. Also, if the trees get too large, they will block the sun from getting to the solar project.

Owen Hunter with Arcadis Engineering is working with ForeFront Power on the project. He said the solar project will generate minimal glare in the course of a year.

Mary Rappole requested a filtration system be put in to address water runoff to project their well.

Schlesinger said the solar panels will not have any PFAS in them, therefore the water runoff will not harm any wells, even if they were to break.

Since the application for the solar project was put in place, the town board issued a moratorium on future solar projects, so the town could review its solar law. Another neighbor requested this project be rejected until the town’s solar laws are reviewed and possibly updated.

A petition was submitted to the town board, opposing the solar project.

Other concerns raised included recycling the panels once they’re no longer useful and if solar projects are truly “green,” arguing that gas and coal plants are used to make components for solar panels.

Supervisor Emhardt said they will continue to listen to concerns at future meetings. He did not give a timeline on when the board will vote on the proposed solar project.

The town Zoning Board of Appeals has already voted in favor of the project.