Wallkill Valley Times Feb. 17 2016

TIMES WALLKILL VALLEY Vol. 34, No 7 3 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016 Shakespeare’s Will Page 12 Crawford considers a moratorium on solar energy systems They say there is nothing new under the sun. Except perhaps, solar energy systems. The town of Crawford is now considering a moratorium on the systems—known commonly as ground-mounted solar panels—until they can put local regulations in place to govern the new energy trend. Last week the Crawford Planning Board discussed the moratorium, noting that it includes hardship exemptions and does not apply to roof-mounted solar panels. All ground-mounted panels—not just solar farms, but individual structures as well—would be prohibited. Specifically, the proposed local law that would enact the moratorium would “temporarily prohibit” the “construction, Series sweep ONE DOLLAR Page 40 www.WallkillValleyTimes.net Save those solar panels By RACHEL COLEMAN 3 installation, approval and processing of applications for solar energy systems” for six months. The town board requested a recommendation from the planning board, in advance of the public hearing for the local law scheduled for this Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Continued on page 4 Frigid weather makes a brief appearance Bond Brungard Nick Walker, a Wallkill volunteer fireman, experienced curling for the first time Saturday, during the second annual Wallkill Lions Club curling tournament at Popp’s Pavillion. Story on page 37. Neelytown water line Town expects new water district completed by the end of the year By TED REMSNYDER One of the most crucial responsibilities any town undertakes is providing safe, clean water for its residents. The Town of Montgomery is living up to that duty, as an update was provided at the Town Board meeting on Thursday on the plan to establish the Neelytown West Water District. Mike Aiello, consulting engineer for the town, outlined the early phases of the town’s goal at the Feb. 11th meeting, which is to have the water line completed sometime this year. The funding for the project was already secured last February, when the board approved a resolution to issue $3.3 million worth of bonds to pay for the construction of water distribution mains, fire hydrants and the procurement of all necessary equipment for the job. Aiello has been tasked with drawing up a specific plan for how to install the new line. “We’re having Mike start the process,” Town Supervisor Michael Hayes said. “He’s going to come back for our March 3rd meeting with a cost proposal and we’ll have to approve the dollar amount for him to go do it. So this was a preliminary thing. We have to design it, then you have to get Health Department approval and do testing. Then you have to put it out for bid to get it built.” The state has urged local municipalities to consolidate water districts wherever possible, and once implementContinued on page 4 SERVING CRAWFORD, GARDINER, MAYBROOK, MONTGOMERY, PINE BUSH, SHAWANGUNK, WALDEN AND WALLKILL