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HANOVER -- Distributed Solar Development is ready to begin work on its new project in the town early next year. On Monday, the Town Board voted to adopt the resolution of the proposed Hanover solar farm.
With input from county representatives, the solar farm, which is proposed at 1317 on Routes 5 and 20 in Silver Creek, passed with a 4-0 vote with one board member abstaining from the vote for personal reasons.
The solar panels will encompass 31 acres of a 45-acre plot and should cost around $6.9 million.
This project was first brought to public hearing in October, and progressively gained traction through November, before finally being approved Monday.
While Distributed Solar Development, the developer of the project, can't confirm an exact start date for construction, they "anticipate construction will commence in quarter one 2021."
Following discussion on the solar project, a representative from the Silver Creek Village Board spoke, expressing concerns with the contract between the village of Silver Creek, the Town of Hanover, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department, related to enhanced police services.
"In early November, we were taken by surprise with a substantial increase in cost for the same coverage in 2021," said the representative who was not identified on a Zoom meeting. "I think both boards agree they provide professional and much needed service to our residents. In 2015, Silver Creek took the lead on a contract to allow part time deputies to work in contracted coverage areas for sheriff, in best interest to turn it back over to the town of Hanover."
With the current contract expiring in 17 days, the Hanover town board shared their concerns, the primary of which being that their budget has already been passed, leading to worries over leaving the Town of Hanover in a financial bind.
The board concluded it is in their best interest that they will write the contract the way they want and "make a good faith dollar offer," before deciding whether or not to proceed.