PLANNING BOARD MEETING 7/16/2025
TOWN OF MOUNT HOPE
PLANNING BOBARD MEETING
JULY 16, 2025
Present: Wayne Howell-Chairman; Board Members: David Cantor, Brian Cutler, Jeff Boyd, Jeanne Zoll, Chris Ruckdeschel, Mary Beth Horzepa-Alternate; Jason Pitingaro-Planning Board Engineer; Alex Smith-Planning Board Attorney
Absent: John Richichi
Meeting called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance led by the Chairman.
Motion made by C. Ruckdeshel to accept the minutes from the previous month; second by J. Boyd. All in favor.
No Correspondence.
Mongaup River Solar LLC (OYA Solar)-194 Pine Grove Road- Tax
Map Section 1; Block 1; Lot 137 in the RES-1 Zone. Approximate 84 acres. (Lane Meade Farm LLC)
Present: Matt Mihaly, Mr. Gallo, Nick Diers, Ryan Vaughn, P.W. Grosser-Engineer
Mr. Mihaly updated the Board on the project and re-capped a lot questions that were brought up the last time they were before the Board; they are no longer affiliated with “OYA”. This is a 2.1 megawatt solar energy power system on approximately 16.9 acres of property. The property is owned by Lane Meadow Farm (Mr. Gary Stellingwerf) and is located on 194 Pine Grove Road. Total acreage is approximately 84 acres and is in the RA zone. There is also frontage on Ledge Road and VanBurenville Road. There is an existing dwelling and dairy farm also on the property and the Little Shawangunk Kill runs through the westerly side of this property. The Town of Wallkill is a municipal boundary to this property which the Board presented many questions as well as the Board’s Attorney Mr. Smith did as well. Documentation has been submitted regarding most of those questions. Reference to the Washington Heights electric substation of Orange & Rockland for project connection and Fire & safety training to be provided to the Howells Fire Company and Howells Fire District. Extended screening was established with Wallkill by means of a second row of trees. An updated EAF was incorporated with the Town of Wallkill.
Jason presented comments – the area of disturbance for the proposed project would be 9.0+ acres, including 3.29 acres of tree clearing and grubbing t create e.540 acres of site coverage. The project proposes to connect to a three phase distribution feeder off Van Burenville Road. No site lighting is proposed.
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The owner plans on leasing 16.9 acres of the property to the applicant; the project would include the installation of an array of 4,676 solar modules, an 8 foot high deer fence around the proposed solar facility, one concrete equipment pad to house electrical equipment; etc., planting of trees on the northeasterly side; a gravel road from Van Burenville Rd.
The site adjoins existing residences to the north and northwest; to the east and south of the site are agricultural lands, farms and forested areas.
Necessary documentation has been submitted to the appropriate agencies.
Board members asked about possibly working out a landscaping bond; and are there “low lying districts” in the area or nearer to the Wallkill area; was there some “red Cedar trees” in the area or was that done by the previous developer “Oya” ; the Board also wanted to know about the visual aspect of the panels from both roads.
Jeanne Zoll asked about the variances they were going to request and the lot lines – since in the back there were houses.
Jason will check on the requirement of the fence and see what kind of fence the Town of Wallkill has; whether it is more agricultural pleasing or not.
The Planning Board will not schedule the applicant for a public hearing until after they appear before the Zoning Board.
Chairman Howell requested a motion that the Town of Mount Hope Planning Board designates itself “lead agent” for the purpose of the SEQRA and declares it to be an unlisted action; motion made by Brian Cutler; second by Jeff Boyd; All in favor; no one opposed.
Reports: Planning Board Engineer – None.
Planning Board Attorney stated that he feels that no further action should be taken until the applicant appears before the Zoning Board and he speaks to the County concerning the 239 referral. Chairman Howell was in complete agreement as was the Board.
Public Participation: Ms. Ariel (?)
Motion made by B. Cutler to close the meeting; second by J. Zoll. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Franck, Planning Board Secretary