The Walworth Planning Board met on Monday to review an updated application from Norbut Solar Farm, LLC for a proposed solar energy facility spanning three parcels on Atlantic Avenue, Kuttruff Road, and Canandaigua Road. The board also approved a 90-day extension for a previously authorized subdivision pending final approval from the Wayne County Health Department.
Norbut Solar Application Remains Under Review
The board held a public hearing for Norbut Solar Farm’s application, which includes a subdivision, site plan, and special use permit for property zoned Rural Residential 1 (RR1). Representatives from Norbut Solar, including Ashley Champion and Nate Cobb, along with engineer James Cyracos of BME Associates, presented a comprehensive update to their application materials.
The updated submission addressed numerous requests from the board and town consultants, including:
- A revised full Environmental Assessment Form to support the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR)
- Updated site plans incorporating five new access gates and two fire hydrants at required distances
- A stamped decommissioning plan and engineer’s cost estimate
- A finalized operations and maintenance plan
- An updated Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
- A road impact summary, and
- An expanded landscaping rationale for visual buffering
Champion acknowledged that the board has requested a visualization package showing how the project would appear from key vantage points. This package is pending completion and is expected before the board’s next meeting.
“The hope is that the board can issue a SEQR negative declaration at your June 9 meeting,” Champion said, noting that this step is required before the project can advance to the Town Board for review of waiver requests related to project setbacks.
Resident Comments
During the public hearing, resident Tom Nienstine of 1136 Kuttruff Road raised concerns about the project’s potential impact on local wildlife and wetlands. He noted the area is frequented by migratory geese and expressed concern about the construction’s environmental footprint.
In response, board members and consultants emphasized that construction near wetlands would be tightly regulated, including the use of silt fencing and adherence to current SWPPP guidelines.
SEQR and Procedural Timeline
The Planning Board has been designated as the lead agency for SEQR. Members discussed the procedural order of approvals, clarifying that a SEQR determination must precede Town Board action on the requested waivers. If the Town Board denies any waivers, the applicant would need to revise its site plan before the Planning Board can take further action.
Subdivision Extension Approved
The board also approved a 90-day extension for Gerber Homes on the Seven Mile Subdivision off Ontario-Walworth Road. The original approval, granted December 9, 2024, is pending final review by the Wayne County Health Department. The extension runs through early September.
A representative for Gerber Homes stated the delay is due to slow processing at the Health Department and confirmed the project team would return next month to discuss sidewalk plans.
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