OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen The Dunkirk Planning Board, pictured at an April meeting, offered its recommendations on two proposed solar projects in the Town of Dunkirk.

After a solar energy project was approved at the previous meeting in the town of Dunkirk, two more projects were the subject of discussion on the most recent agenda. One project is moving forward, while the other is on hold.

The Town Board first discussed a proposed project on Brigham Road. The Dunkirk Town Planning Board recommended the Town Board approve the site plan for a utility scale solar project located at 10653 Brigham Road, with three stipulations tied to the recommendation.

The Planning Board’s conditions included the construction of an access road for emergency vehicles to utilize, a review of vegetation after 12 months to assess if additional vegetation surrounding the system is necessary, and that the two parcels of land utilized for the project be merged into one parcel, through the town assessor.

The Town Board decided to set a public hearing to address the Brigham Road solar project at the next regular Town Board meeting at 6 p.m. on July 18.

The next solar energy system discussed was a project on the Williams Street Extension, which required a variance granted by the Town of Dunkirk Zoning Board of Appeals. That variance is the subject of a State Supreme Court appeal from James Dimmer, set to be heard July 17 in Mayville.

The Planning Board offered its recommendation regarding the project, contingent on the same three stipulations as applied to the Brigham Road project.

Because of the pending appeal regarding the project, Town Board Member Dr. Jay Bishop motioned to table the project until after the appeal process has been resolved. Town Board Member Priscilla Penfold seconded Bishop’s motion, and the project was tabled, unanimously.

The Town Board approved Dunkirk Solar One and Dunkirk Solar Two — also referred to as Dunkirk Solar A and Dunkirk Solar B — at the previous meeting of the Town Board. That project is located off Lake Shore Drive near the former Athenex building.