This message was posted in the town of Hartland's Facebook page...
Dear Hartland Resident:
This notice is to invite you to a meeting November 20th, 2019 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Hartland Fire Company located at 8945 Ridge Rd. regarding a solar proposal by EDF Renewables. This is one of several meetings over the next few months to inform the public on a solar farm that has been proposed in Hartland. EDF presented the project to the board in early summer. An initial public meeting was held August 14th at the Hartland Fire Hall. The project proposed is a 2000-acre 350MW project utilizing agricultural property.
A proposal of this magnitude has many facets to learn and consider. It is an obligation of the board to thoroughly investigate any and all projects presented to the town or we would not be doing our due diligence. Benefits to the town are twofold. First is the benefit that would provide steady revenue for the landowner. As for the town, it is estimated revenue would be in the area of $500,000.00 annually with a 2% increase each year of the project. This would allow the town to stabilize taxes for 25 years or more.
As town officials it is our job to do our due diligence on projects that will impact the town. To do this we want to hear from our residents. This is a lengthy process to educate our residents and receive feedback on the project. It will take several months before any decision will be made. Currently the town has zoning laws in place that do not allow large solar farms. These laws would have to be amended in order to allow the project to proceed. Your feedback to the board will allow us to make a sound decision on the future of this project. Please plan on attending this meeting, or future meetings to address this important issue.
Sincerely,
Hartland Town Board
