Clarendon will hold off on going solar at town buildings

CLARENDON – Clarendon Town Board members have decided to take a “wait and see” strategy regarding the possibility of “going solar” to save on energy costs at town facilities.

Board members have investigated the idea for several months, but during their regular meeting Tuesday evening decided not to move forward with solar power at this time.

“I can’t seem to get comfortable with it myself,” Councilperson Paul Nicosia said.

He explained that developments in solar energy are “coming fast and furious” and he would like to see it working elsewhere before Clarendon makes any decision.

“We can wait until the dust settles,” he said. “There is no urgency for us.”

Councilperson Marc Major agreed. “There are other steps we could take,” he said regarding energy efficient choices. “Every day I’m hearing stuff on the TV and radio about progress out there.”

He noted lighting could be changed to LED or a switch could be made to on-demand water heaters. “There’s a lot we can do in-house here.”

Councilperson William Campbell noted the county has informed municipalities that grant funding is available for solar projects which can cover up to 80 percent of the instillation/start-up costs.

Councilperson Allen Robinson said the town could afford to sit back and watch at this point.

“We need to do improvements at the Highway Department building,” he noted.

The 31-year old building is in need of a new roof and furnace which will be a major expense for the town.

In other business, Supervisor Richard Moy announced during his report that the town has received a $20,000 grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation to help fund restoration work at the chapel in Hillside Cemetery. Officials said the grant funds would be used for roof replacement, a major component of the project.