Solar in Ausable – Your Voice Matters!

Dear Town of Ausable Residents,

I’m reaching out to share important information about a proposed solar project in our town, identified as APA Project ID 2025-0015, currently under review by the Adirondack Park Agency (APA). The applicant for this project is Catayze Solar, and your input is needed to help shape its outcome. As residents of Ausable, we have a unique opportunity to influence how this project aligns with our community’s values and the natural beauty of our area.

About the Project

While specific details about the Catayze Solar project (such as environmental impact) are not fully available through the provided APA link, it’s clear that this is a solar energy initiative requiring APA approval, likely due to its potential impact on the Adirondack Park’s natural, scenic, or ecological resources. Solar projects in the Adirondacks, like others recently approved in towns such as Ticonderoga and Crown Point, often involve large-scale installations on agricultural or open land, aiming to contribute to New York State’s renewable energy goal of 6,000 megawatts of solar by 2025.

The APA is seeking public comments on this project, and you can submit your feedback directly through their website: https://apa.ny.gov/contact/ApaCommentPopup.cfm?ProjectNumber=2025-0015.

Why Your Input Matters

The Adirondack Park Agency evaluates projects based on their potential effects on water quality, wetlands, wildlife, scenic views, and community character, among other factors. As we’ve seen with other solar projects in the region, concerns often arise about the loss of farmland, loss of residential building lots, increased taxes, visual impacts, or effects on local wildlife. For example, a proposed solar project in Ticonderoga raised concerns about its proximity to a facility for people with developmental disabilities, highlighting the need for careful consideration of community impacts. Your comments can help ensure that the Catayze Solar project balances renewable energy goals with the preservation of Ausable’s natural and cultural landscape.

How to Submit Your Comments

Submitting your feedback is simple and can make a big difference:

1. Visit the APA Comment Page: Use this link to access the comment form for Project 2025-0015: https://apa.ny.gov/contact/ApaCommentPopup.cfm?ProjectNumber=2025-0015.
2. Complete the Form: Provide your full name and, if prompted, additional contact information.
3. Share Your Perspective: In the comment box, express your thoughts on the project. You might address potential benefits (e.g., clean energy, economic opportunities) or concerns (e.g., environmental impact, farmland use, loss of much-needed residential lots, increased taxes, or visual effects).
4. Submit: Click “Submit My Comments” to send your feedback to the APA. You’ll receive a copy of your comments via the email you provide.

If you have trouble with the online form, you can email comments to APAsubmissions@apa.ny.gov, including “Project 2025-0015” in the subject line to ensure proper routing. Alternatively, contact the APA at (518) 891-4050 for assistance.

Tips for Effective Comments

• Be Specific: Highlight how the project might affect you, your property, or our community. For example, if you’re concerned about the impact on nearby residential lots, mention its importance.
• Stay Constructive: Respectful, well-reasoned comments carry more weight.
• Act Quickly: Comment ends August 14, 2025, so submit your feedback as soon as possible.

Want More Details?

Since specific information about the Catayze Solar project is limited, I encourage you to:

• Visit www.apa.ny.gov and check the “Public Comment” or “Permit Applications” sections for updates on Project 2025-0015.
• Attend an APA monthly meeting, where public comments are welcome (in-person or via WebEx). The next meeting is scheduled for August 14-15, 2025. Check the APA website for the agenda and WebEx link.
• Contact the APA directly at (518) 891-4050 or via their general contact form at https://apa.ny.gov/contact/.

Let’s Shape Ausable’s Future

Solar projects like this one can bring clean energy and economic benefits, but they must be balanced with the preservation of our community’s character and natural resources. For instance, former Governor George Pataki recently emphasized the need to protect prime Adirondack farmlands from large-scale solar developments, a concern echoed by some local officials. By submitting your comments, you can help ensure the Catayze Solar project respects Ausable’s unique environment and does not hinder our opportunities for residential growth.

Let’s stay informed and engaged. If you learn more about this project or want to discuss its implications, please share your insights at our next town meeting or reach out directly. Together, we can ensure Ausable remains a place we’re proud to call home.

Sincerely,
-Tim