Solar Panel Proposal Raises Environmental Concerns
The Greenhaven Road Solar Community project wants to install solar panels on a 18th century farm on South Greenhaven Road. To make room for the panels, the company will cut down about 300 trees, many of which are quite large and old. The applicant has been to the Planning Board for several months. Its plan has received complaints from residents, particularly about the tree removal. The company will plant new trees, but it will be decades before they approximate the size of the existing ones.
Solar panels help in the fight against global warming, but so do trees; they absorb carbon dioxide. In addition, trees prevent soil erosion, cool streams, remove air pollution, bring beauty to our lives, and provide homes for wildlife. The applicant has agreed to preserve some trees, but the vast majority would be cleared.
The proposal is still before the Planning Board, which meets the third Thursday of each month. For more information on its meetings or to write to it, consult the Town Board website and look under “Town Committees.”
Electronic Charging Stations with Electronic Signs
Volta LLC seeks to install two large Level 2 charging stations near the front of Stop and Shop, where pedestrian traffic is high. The stations would be installed on islands that sit next to handicapped parking spots (see photo below). The company proposes to install the stations in exchange for permission to put up electronic advertisement signs.
Level 2 charging stations do not provide quick charges for electric vehicles. It could take up to nine hours to fully charge a car battery. Electric cars using these stations will receive a very small benefit from plugging in to them while the drivers shop.
The Volta company needs variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals to install these electronic signs. Internally illuminated signs impact the aesthetics of the surroundings. They are distracting. Their changing images create a “Las Vegas” type atmosphere. The Volta proposal conflicts with Beekman’s Comprehensive Plan, which emphasizes preserving the rural character of our town.
The proposal is currently before the Zoning Board, which meets on the first Thursday of every month. If this proposal is to be halted, residents must make their views known—either at the meeting or by letter to the Board. Its agendas and contact information are on the Town Board website (under “Town Committees”).
A Proposed Electronic Sign
Some Projects Seek to Maintain Beekman’s Rural Character
An enterprise called “Active Dog” wishes to purchase 350 acres off Depot Hill Road. The owner will transport dogs in vans to the area for hikes. Some residents oppose the plan, noting that it will bring added traffic to this rural road. Other residents favor the proposal because it will leave the land in its natural state. These residents view the proposal as a good alternative to real-estate development. The Planning Board has approved the proposal.
The plan for a Norsk Spa on 57 Greenhaven Road seems headed for approval. It will be an up-scale spa, and bring some traffic, but it will avoid asphalt and will try to preserve our town’s rural environment.
Vacancy on the Town Board
In Beekman there are five elected officials on the Town Board: The Supervisor, who has a two-year term of office, and four Town Council members, who have four-year terms. The board members are tasked with passing local laws and fiscal policies.
Mary Covucci, the Republican Town Supervisor, was first elected to in 2017 and then re-elected in 2019 and 2021. Each time, she ran un-opposed.
In November of 2021, two Republican town council members, Robert Swartz and Ezio Battaglini were re-elected. Prior to and after his election, Mr. Swartz’s attendance to Town Board meetings was inconsistent. He was absent on 6/8/21, 10/12/21, 10/22/21, 11/10/21, and 12/15/21. Mr. Swartz submitted his resignation to the Town Board and it was accepted at the 1/25/22 Town Board meeting.
A member of the Beekman Democrats, Barbara Walsh, spoke to the Town Board during the 1/25/22 meeting regarding Mr. Swartz’s lack of attendance and election. Barbara’s comments begin at 48:54 and end at 51:45, on the Webcast of this meeting. We encourage you watch by clicking the link: https://vimeo.com/channels/111324/670204220 and fast forward to the 48:54 time mark.
The Town Council has the power to appoint a person to fill this vacancy until the upcoming November election. It appointed Phillip Capalbo, who resigned after a few meetings. The position is currently unfilled.
The Town Board needs greater diversity of opinion. Supervisor Covucci traditionally puts forth resolutions which all Town Council Member unanimously supportwithout discussion.
Diversity and differing viewpoints are vital to our democracy. If you or know someone who might be interested in running for office in the future, please let us know!
Enjoy Spring Wildflowers
Beekman wildflowers include Dame’s Rocket, which appears only for a few weeks in the spring (see photo below). Wildflowers contribute to the beauty of our community. They also support pollinating insects, whose populations are in worldwide decline—a decline that threatens the health of the planet. Let’s do our part to protect wildflowers. We can ask the Highway Department and Town Board to leave as many as possible on roadsides. We also can protect some of them when we mow our lawns.
Photo by Bill Crain
Beekman Democrats Newsletter
Editor: Bill Crain
Contributing Writer: Susan Glavich