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Town Board Regular Meeting - Media
Published: Jun 16, 2026
Fishers Island Solar Project Sparks Debate on Electricity Costs and Energy Resilience
During the discussion on the Fishers Island solar project, concerns were raised by residents and board members regarding potential impacts on electricity bills. While the applicant, Picket Power LLC, assured that the project would be privately financed and would not increase costs for ratepayers, committing to deliver power at the same price or less than the current provider (Groton Utilities), residents expressed skepticism. They highlighted past significant increases in electricity and water bills and sought assurances that the new solar system would not lead to further unaffordable price hikes. The applicant clarified that their contract would be with the Fishers Island Electric Corporation, a regulated utility, and that they would not be affected by future price increases from Groton. The discussion also touched upon the island's dependence on two aging underwater cables for power from the mainland and the system's potential to provide energy resilience.
Fishers Island Solar Project Moves Forward; Wireless Communications Law Adopted; Chicken Farm Concerns Raised
The Town Board held a public hearing regarding a change of zone for a portion of the Pickett landfill property on Fishers Island from R120 to light industrial to allow for the construction of a solar photovoltaic energy system. The applicant, Picket Power LLC, in conjunction with the Fishers Island Waste Management District, presented the project, emphasizing its benefits for the island, including generating approximately 20% of its electricity, providing energy resilience, and potentially stabilizing or reducing electricity costs. The proposed system would occupy less than five acres of the 18.5-acre site, which is constrained by wetlands. The project will be privately financed and is expected to generate lease income for the Waste Management District. Concerns were raised by residents about potential electricity bill increases, the assurance of fixed pricing, and the need for the town board to protect residents. The Planning Board supported the zoning change with a condition for a covenant restricting the use to solar energy production, also contemplating battery energy storage. However, due to pending comments from the Suffolk County Planning Commission, the hearing was left open. Separately, the board adopted a local law amending Chapter 280 concerning wireless communication facilities after a public hearing, classifying the action as unlisted and issuing a negative declaration. Additionally, a public hearing was opened regarding a change of zone for the Fishers Island Water Management District for solar energy production, but it was held open pending comments from the Suffolk County Planning Commission. The board also discussed the potential impact of an industrial intensity chicken farm, with public comments raising concerns about environmental impacts, buffers, and the adequacy of the Planning Board's review process under SEQR.
Environmental Considerations for Fishers Island Solar Project and Proposed Chicken Farm Highlighted
During the discussion of the Fishers Island solar project, concerns were raised about potential environmental impacts, particularly regarding the capped landfill and nearby wetlands. The project engineer, Justin Tondo, explained that the design includes ballasted racking to minimize disturbance to the landfill cap and above-ground wire management. Setbacks from wetlands and efforts to minimize erosion are planned. The project aims to occupy less than five acres of an 18.5-acre site, with a significant portion constrained by wetlands. Additionally, public comments during a later agenda item expressed concerns about the environmental impact of a proposed industrial intensity chicken farm, citing potential nitrogen pollution, damage to farmland, and the inadequacy of SEQR review. The applicant for the solar project stated that the project will help advance New York State's clean energy goals and that the decommissioned landfill, otherwise unusable land, can be utilized for environmental benefit. A resident also raised concerns about the environmental impact of increased nitrogen on the Peconic Bay estuary due to climate change.
Town Board Addresses Website Improvement, Wireless Communications Law Adoption, and Fishers Island Zoning Hearing Status
The Town Board discussed the town's online presence and website management. A resident, Benja Schwartz, pointed out issues with the town's website, including missing information, outdated content, and difficulty finding information, suggesting the need for a dedicated role to manage the website's content and organization, separate from the IT department's technical expertise. The board acknowledged these concerns, noting that a communications task force had been formed and had developed recommendations for updating the website, improving navigation, and engaging the community through social media and newsletters. The draft Community Preservation Fund (CPF) plan was also mentioned as something that should be made accessible online. Separately, the board addressed the process for the proposed local law on wireless communication facilities, confirming that legal notices were published, the Suffolk County Planning Commission was notified, and a negative declaration was issued. The public hearing for the wireless communication facilities local law was closed, and the law was adopted. However, the public hearing for the Fishers Island solar project zoning change was kept open pending comments from the Suffolk County Planning Commission.
Town Board Reviews Grant Management and Approves Audit
The Town Board of Southold discussed the complexities and administrative burden of managing various grants awarded to town departments. The discussion highlighted past issues with grant timelines, unspent funds, and the need for better oversight. Examples of grants mentioned include those for zoning updates, facility upgrades (bathrooms at Town Hall and Rec Center), a backup generator at Town Hall, furniture for the Justice Court, stormwater drainage remediation, technical assistance for wetland restoration, and funding for recreation programs. Concerns were raised about the time and resources required to administer these grants, the potential for loss of funds due to missed deadlines, and the importance of considering the true cost of grant acquisition and management when applying for external funding. The town attorney's office and various departments, including Public Works and Human Resources, were involved in grant management. A specific grant for bathroom upgrades at the Rec Center was pivoted to a backup generator at Town Hall due to exceeding bid costs. ARPA grants were mentioned as having specific usage limitations. The document also touched on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money, noting a year (2023) where no award was given due to sanctions from Suffolk County for failure to submit single audits for 2020 and 2021. The need for a better system to monitor and liaise grants was emphasized. Finally, a resolution was passed to approve an audit dated June 16, 2026 [cite: 166-167].
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