State finds Shepherd’s Run application lacking for second time

State finds Shepherd’s Run application lacking for second time
Farmland vista where the proposed 42 megawatt Shepherd’s Run Solar Farm is planned along Route 23 at the entryway to the rural hamlet of Copake.
Photo by John Coston

COPAKE — State regulators have issued their second notice of incomplete application this year for Hecate Energy LLC’s proposed Shepherd’s Run solar project.

On June 27, the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission found Hecate’s most recent application deficient in eleven areas. The company had filed an application in late December, which also waskicked back for deficiencies in February.

“Hecate continues to engage in a productive dialogue with ORES and the community. We look forward to moving ahead with a project that helps meet the state’s clean energy goals while protecting the rural character of Copake and the surrounding communities,” said Matt Levine, project director.

The project proposed by the Chicago-based developer of solar, wind and energy storage projects, has been a flashpoint for the rural hamlet’s residents since it initially was discussed in 2017. Then, it was planned as a 60-megawatt solar farm to be located near the intersection of Routes 23 and 7. In February 2024, the state granted a motion from the Town of Copake to dismiss the application, and Hecate regrouped, filing last December.

Citizen groups have both opposed and supported the project. In a recent statement following ORES’s notice of deficiencies, Sensible Solar for Rural New York said it is “unconscionable that ORES ... is ignoring smoke and fire risks to the adjacent Taconic Hills Central Schools” and residents near the 215-acre facility.

Latest News

Blues and bloodlines: The Devon Allman Project at Infinity Hall Norfolk

Devon Allman

Venla Shalin

On Friday, Aug. 15, The Devon Allman Project will play Infinity Hall in Norfolk. As the son of the legendary musician Gregg Allman, Devon carries on the family tradition while stepping out on his own.

“We’re honored to keep the tradition alive,” said Allman. “But I don’t play my records and try to compare them to records from 50 years ago. I try to write songs that mean something to me, and hopefully they’ll resonate with other people.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Construction on Main Street disrupts traffic, shuts down water

Fire hydrant replacements in the village disrupted water service for businesses on Main Street.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — Construction on Main Street last week disrupted traffic as crews worked to replace an outdated fire hydrant next to Oakhurst Diner.

The scheduled maintenance, which continued into this week, was part of a 2019 grant awarded by the New York State Department of Health under the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act. Since then, the village has been upgrading undersized, damaged and outdated hydrants. A total of 25 hydrants have been replaced.

Keep ReadingShow less
Moviehouse grant totals $150,000 for capital projects

The Millerton Moviehouse was granted $150,000 for HVAC repairs. Moviehouse owner David Maltby said the repairs were needed as the HVAC system in the building is 40 years old.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton Moviehouse announced last week that it received a $150,000 grant from State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D-41). Moviehouse owners David Maltby and Chelsea Altman accepted the check alongside town supervisor Chris Kennan and Senator Hinchey.

The funds will be allocated toward HVAC repairs that were completed in April, a crucial part of ongoing capital projects necessary for maintaining the historic 120-year-old building.

Keep ReadingShow less
Webutuck School District health clinic succeeds at going beyond the basic
Archive photo

AMENIA — Three years in, the full-service health clinic at the Webutuck School District, known internally as the school-based health center, has been a resounding success.

The clinic is staffed by a full-time physician who acts as a participating student’s primary care physician at no extra cost to families. Looking to expand the scope of medical services Webtuck could offer to its students, school nurse Charlie Davis proposed the clinic three years ago.

Keep ReadingShow less