The Walworth Town Board voiced support Thursday for a proposed reroute of a failing sewer force main and heard extensive public and board commentary on a controversial solar energy project seeking zoning waivers.
During a presentation by MRB Group engineer Emilio Moran, town officials were briefed on the deteriorating condition of a six-inch sewer line along Walworth-Palmyra Road. Moran described multiple recent breaks and outlined four alternatives for replacement. The board expressed consensus that “Option D” — a new route along Sherburne Road — was the most cost-effective and least disruptive.
“This option allows us to keep the existing line in service during construction, avoids constant sewage trucking, and can be completed more quickly,” Moran said. Board members also supported a potential partnership with the Wayne County Water and Sewer Authority to perform the work under contract, which could reduce cost and speed up installation.
Moran said he would provide detailed cost comparisons and a proposed design contract for approval at the board’s April 17 meeting.
Solar project faces skepticism over waiver requests
In a separate presentation, representatives from Norbut Solar Farms outlined a proposed 5-megawatt solar installation on approximately 66 acres at Atlantic Avenue and Southwest Road. Due to site constraints, including wetlands and topography, the developer is seeking multiple waivers from the town’s aggressive solar setback requirements, particularly a 250-foot buffer from non-participating residences.
The board questioned the extent of the waiver requests and expressed reservations.
“We just rewrote this solar law, and the setbacks are there for a reason,” said Councilwoman Amber Linson. “Reducing them by 100 feet in some places is significant.”
The developer pledged to provide photo renderings showing how the project would appear from nearby homes, both with and without leaves on trees. They also cited New York’s aggressive clean energy goals and claimed the site was one of the few viable options in the area.
Several residents spoke against the project, citing visual impacts, property values, energy output concerns, and a perceived lack of benefit to the community.
“I’ll be staring at this from my backyard every day,” said one resident. “It’s not just two properties affected—it’s the entire neighborhood.”
The board took no vote but emphasized that visual impact renderings and additional technical information would be required before considering the waiver requests.
Board approves key resolutions, security upgrade
The board approved four resolutions, including:
- Resolution 62-25: Authorized the Deputy Town Supervisor to sign the 2024 Service Award Program sponsor form for the Lincoln Fire Department.
- Resolution 69-25: Removed a former official from town credit cards and added Supervisor Rick Johnson as the designated user.
- Resolution 70-25: Approved an addendum to the town’s HR consulting agreement, limiting access to retainer hours to three officials.
- Resolution 71-25: Approved the purchase and installation of a new intrusion and fire monitoring system from Shield Fire & Security, replacing a frequently triggered outdated system.
The board noted that the upgrade would be funded from the building maintenance reserve and came in significantly cheaper than two competing bids.
Public comment includes food security, solar criticism
During public participation, resident Charlie Carano proposed organizing food drives at town events to address rising hunger in the area, citing USDA funding cuts. Another resident raised concerns about the cost-effectiveness of solar and questioned whether the town would benefit from the proposed project.
Planning Board Chair Dennis Landry also appeared to request permission to pursue improvements—including paving and drainage upgrades—around the Lions Club park entrance.
Other business
- Supervisor Johnson appointed Councilwoman Linson as the new building department liaison.
- Officials noted that town tax collection ended March 31 and that unpaid taxes must now be handled through Wayne County.
- Town officials continue internal meetings on sidewalks, union matters, and future code revisions.
The meeting concluded with an executive session.
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