Archive: Opinions

To the editor:

We are very supportive of the plans to develop community solar array’s in the Town of Dryden. We have installed solar on our own property, joining the many other households in Dryden who have done likewise in a collective effort to enhance local renewable energy resources.

We have attended recent community discussions of the Dryden solar farm proposal. We were gratified to learn that Distributed Sun has modified their plans to take account of community concerns (including less obtrusive fencing, wildlife corridors, substantial setbacks from roads and residential properties, and attractive vegetative screening to mitigate the impact on the viewscape).

Even some residents most impacted by the siting of these installations have been complimentary about the company’s willingness to adjust their plans to address citizen concerns. We would also note that, though several of these arrays will be built on land leased from Cornell, the power generated will be utilized by homes and businesses in the area, not by the university.

Community solar will be a critical step in reducing our carbon footprint. That goal could not be more important, both for its actual impact in reducing global warming, and as a visible, practical demonstration of the viability of renewable energy.

Bill and Kathy Russell
Town of Dryden

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