Monday April 29, 2024 
Clean Energy Communities Program
I am learning more and more about the Clean Energy Communities program that is available through NYSERDA. As prospective Town Supervisor, I urge the Town Board to adopt this program by adopting a resolution. In principle, it encourages less, cleaner electricity to be used. This saves the Town, and its tax payers, money. It also moves the needle in the direction of better environment, which is good for health and well being. Being a good steward of the land is something the Town of North Greenbush can demonstrate by participating in the Clean Energy Communities program. This really is a win win program.
There is cherry on top for Town residents. If the Town competitively achieves goals towards this program, then grant money would be handed out. As prospective Town Supervisor, I would use these funds to upgrade the Town park in Wynantskill. Often times there are not enough tables to accommodate the tired adults and children who have been hard at play. These is room within the park for additional amenities for tax payers to enjoy. Let’s upgrade!
We could also use some of these grant funds to work on better pedestrian access within Town. At least Town hall should have a sidewalk in front of it for those using a stroller who want to cross the street and walk to the play ground. It’s too difficult right now to get around as a walker/stroller/biker. Newly found funds from a successful Clean Energy Communities advancement will allow good things to happen. It starts with the Town Board taking initiative to adopt this program and I urge that to happen right away.
Sincerely,
Kevin Bailey, Wynantskill
Sand Lake Board Ignores Taxpayers
For the past year the Barnes Road Area Neighborhood Association fought to convince the Sand Lake Planning Board to vote against approving a special use permit for a party barn on Barnes Road. The Planning Board voted to approve the permit despite around thirty neighbors writing in opposition and dozens more with yard signs against the party barn.
The Neighborhood Association petitioned the State Supreme Court to reverse the decision. The court ruled in the Association’s favor. The court said:
“the Board abdicated its responsibilities as lead agency on Bailey’s application — instead accepting without question the unsupported and self-serving representations reached by Bailey and his expert…”
“The record amply establishes that the petitioners raised environmental impacts that required a hard look at traffic and noise. Rather than completing a meaningful investigation of these issues, the Board determined the issues were not “presently” significant.”
“the Court also notes that the site plan as approved was not complete.”
“Other legitimate concerns which were not sufficiently addressed by the Board or the petitioner include the Town’s enforcement of the restrictions placed upon the special use permit. Accordingly, the Court finds that the Board’s review of the special event venue was incomplete, arbitrary, and contrary to the requirements of SEQRA. It was granted without substantial evidence to indicate that its use was compatible with the nature of the rural agricultural community surrounding it.”
The Town nevertheless voted to authorize $5,000 to appeal the decision. The litigation will not stop at an outlay of $5,000. This will drag on and cost the Town much more.
The Judge made clear that the Town will have to pay for noise and traffic reviews and responsibly address resident concerns about enforcement that were totally ignored in the approval.
Why is the Town of Sand Lake supporting a project its citizens oppose?
Sand Lake Area Neighborhood Association
Community Solar – Good for You, Good for North Greenbush
I have received mail from Rensselaer County, emails from my assemblymember, and communication from others about community solar. I recently dove into the program and signed up. I encourage you to consider joining as well. Community solar allows residents of North Greenbush and other New Yorkers to save some money on their electric bills. Community solar pools consumers and the consumers receive power from large solar panel farms located in different off-site locations. Community solar allows me to access to solar energy generation while I consider options for my property.
I encourage you to consider it. You can have solar without installing panels on your roof or property. Another advantage
is if you rent, you can participate – anyone that pays an electric bill can participate. There is either little or no upfront costs for participation. You save money each month on your bill. The exact amount will depend on solar generation – more money saved in the summer and less money saved in the winter. But you are still saving money. Community solar allows you to lower carbon footprint and support your local economy. There is really no commitment. For the plan I selected, I just have to give advanced notice if I change plans. You need electricity, why not select a clean option while saving money with very low risk? This is good for you and good for North Greenbush.
Michael Myer, North Greenbush