Commercial solar developer to seek state approval for Fenner solar project

By kAtE hill Staff writer

National solar energy company Cypress Creek Renewables is preparing to apply for a permit from New York State’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) for Oxbow Hill Solar, a utility-scale solar project proposed in the Town of Fenner.

The project has a proposed capacity of 140 megawatts (MW), which, according to the Cypress Creek website, would supply power to approximately 30,000 households.

Collocated with the existing 30 MW Fenner Wind Farm, the solar project would connect to the existing Fenner substation and utilize existing wind farm access roads.

According to Keith Silliman, director of regulatory compliance at Cypress Creek, the solar developer is currently leasing approximately 1,300 acres from 10 landowners to accommodate the proposed project. Several of the parcels were placed under leasing agreements in 2019, and some have been added since.

The proposed project area once constructed would be approximately 700 acres.

Silliman said that for the proposed project to sell its power, the developer will need to obtain renewable energy credits from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). According to Silliman, NYSERDA currently has a request for proposals out, and Cypress Creek is preparing to submit the Oxbow Hill Solar Project in April.

On Feb. 28, Silliman reported that Cypress Creek has been conducting fieldwork at the project site in support of develop - ing its 94-c permit application, which the company anticipates filing with ORES in the summer of 2023.

“We have conducted several surveys (wildlife, wetland, avian, cultural, geotechnical, etc.) as well as a full instrument survey of the parcel boundaries,” said Silliman, who added that the bulk of the fieldwork in support of the application has been completed.

A few years ago, New York State enacted a significant overhaul of large-scale renewable energy project permitting.

The Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth & Community Benefits Act, which passed as part of the FY 2020-2021 state budget, established ORES, located within the Department of State, to consolidate the environmental review and permitting of major renewable energy facilities into a single forum that provides “a coordinated

Griffin Vaughan

Gory died peacefully Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Upstate Medical Center with family at his side. Born in Wellesley, MA, to loving parents Michael and Jacqueline Gory on June 19, 2005. A senior at Fayetteville Manlius High School, Griffin was a wellknown local ladies’ man and gentleman of leisure.

Funny, crazy, unpredictable and frustrating, Griffin was a handful from the beginning. A natural raconteur and rapscallion, he was full of energy and humor that kept everyone on their toes. Griffin was able to pack a lifetime of living and world travel into his 17 short years.

Obituaries

l From page 1 Artist est work titled “Emergence.” Volcko has been turning domestic and exotic woods for 38 years. He is an active member of the Ameri- can Association of Wood Turners and The World of Woodturners.

The re-scheduled artist reception will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on March 18. Light refreshments will be served.

Cazenovia Artisans is located at 39 Albany St.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Concert Series presents an Organ Recital with Organist Augustine Sobeng, Sunday, March 19th at 3pm

Griffin V. Gory

Surviving are his loving parents Michael and Jacqueline, sister Audrey, brothers Anthony and Christopher, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

No services or calling hours will be held. Condolences for Griffin’s family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices. com.

Call 315-630-9660 for Morrisville, Hamilton, or

Call 315-750-2638 for Canastota or Chittenango

Ghanaian born organist, Augustine Sobeng, was named The Diapason’s 2021 class of 20 under 30. A graduate of Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University, he is now a DMA candidate in Organ Performance at Eastman School of Music.

Program includes works by: Bach, Dupre, H. H. Parry, Franck etc.

Admission is free, Donations are welcomed.

Loving God and Loving Neighbors since 1844, 12 Mill Street, Cazenovia, NY stpeterscaz.org