Thank you!
Your support is sustaining the future of local news in our communities.

Shepherd’s Run solar project kicked back by state

Shepherd’s Run solar project kicked back by state
Residents learn about the Shepherd’s Run project at an open house on April 3, 2024, in Hillsdale.
Photo by John Coston

ALBANY — New York’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting has kicked back Hecate Energy LLC’s application to build a 42-megawatt solar farm in Copake as incomplete.

The state’s response followed a 60-day review of the application and criticism from state and local leaders, who filed letters with the renewable energy office and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Shepherd’s Run, the name of 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.

But when Hecate lost control of a parcel of land that was part of the proposal, the Town of Copake asked the state to dismiss the application, a motion which was granted in February 2024.Following the dismissal, the company responded with intent to refile a revised plan, reducing the scope of the project.

Hecate’s Matt Levine, senior director of development, commented on Monday, Feb. 24, with the following statement: “Hecate is committed to working with state and local stakeholders to build a project that helps New York meet its clean energy goals while preserving and protecting the natural beauty of Columbia County.

“This is a routine and anticipated step that happens with many, if not most permit applications.We are reviewing the notice from ORES and will work to update the application to address any outstanding issues. We expect to submit our response shortly.”

In the days before the latest ORES decision, which was published on Friday, Feb. 21, State Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-41, who chairs the Agriculture Committee, and State Assemblymember Didi Barrett, D-106, who chairs the Energy Committee, weighed in with concerns. Mayor Kamal Johnson of Hudson also wrote about that city’s questions regarding the siting of Shepherd’s Run on the watershed of the Taghkanic Creek, which supplies 100% of Hudson’s water supply.

Citizen groups have both supported and opposed Shepherd’s Run, and Hecate has held one in-person open house for residents and a second virtual open house to answer questions.

The state cited numerous, specific deficiencies in the application across several categories, including:

—Requiring design drawing consistency;

—Providing information related to public health, safety and security;

—Revision of the Visual Impact Assessment;

—Requiring revision of the summary of probable impact on archaeological/cultural resources;

The ORES Notice of Incomplete Application identified specific deficiencies which require a response relating to the following: terrestrial ecology, water resources and aquatic ecology, wetland, agricultural resources, effect on transportation, socioeconomic effects, environmental justice, electric system effects and interconnection, electric and magnetic fields and site restoration and decommisioning.

In all, ORES listed 60 area of incompleteness and descriptions of specific deficiencies.

Latest News

Classifieds - June 11, 2026

Classifieds - June 11, 2026

EMPLOYMENT

HELP WANTED

DENTAL ASSISTANT Part Time: Tuesday to Friday, for exclusive private practice in Sharon, CT. Flexible schedule and hours, competitive salary. 860-364-0200, office@drnweeia.org.

Isabella Freedman Jewish Re-treat Center is a year-round 120-person retreat facility that is located in Falls Village, CT. Want to work at a beautiful, peaceful location, with great people? This is the place to be! We are currently seeking positions for Seasonal Lifeguard(s), Cook, Retreat services associate (banquet server front of house) and Mashgichim (F/T or P/T) for our summer season. For more details please visit our website at Careers - Adamah or email a copy of your resume to rebecca.eisen@adamah.org

Keep ReadingShow less

Legal Notices - June 11, 2026

Legal Notices - June 11, 2026

Legal Notice

Notice of Formation of Kaits Kleaning LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 05-22-2026. Office Location: Dutchess county. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 24 Attlebury Hill Road, Standfordville NY 12581.

Keep ReadingShow less
Brush fire triggers mutual aid response in Pine Plains

Millerton volunteer firefighter Shane Watson sprays water and firefighting foam on brush at 375 Schultz Hill Road after a brush fire broke out on Friday afternoon, June 5.

Photo by Nathan Miller

PINE PLAINS — A brush fire tore through about a half acre of grass at 375 Schultz Hill Road on Friday, June 5.

Fire crews from Pine Plains, Millerton and Milan, New York, responded to the scene. Pine Plains Fire Chief Brian Walsh said crews were dispatched at 1:11 p.m.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Sharon Farm Market owner says store will remain open amid closure rumors

Fernando Nottebohn says he appreciates Sharon Farm Market as part of a weekly circuit he does from his home in Lithgow, New York, that also includes Paley’s Farm Market

Photo by Alec linden
"We're going to fix the store."
— Chris Choe, co-owner of Sharon Farm Market

SHARON – Despite months of speculation fueled by half-empty shelves, inventory shortages and the planned departures of two longtime businesses, Sharon Farm Market is not closing, according to owner Chris Choe.

“We’re not shutting down,” Choe said, adding that he and his wife, Kim, are planning a series of upgrades they hope will transform the market over the coming months. Choe said they expect to receive a new 20-year lease from the property’s landlords and are moving forward with plans to revitalize the business.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton supermarket targeting Thanksgiving opening

The Millerton Square Plaza on Route 44 in the Town of North East currently sits vacant as owners Kim and Chris Choe work to finish renovations. The Choes first purchased the property in December 2024 with plans to open a grocery store there by June 2025, but faced signficant delays.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — After more than a year of renovations, construction delays and growing speculation about its future, the long-awaited supermarket planned for the Millerton Square Plaza is now expected to open by Thanksgiving, according to owners Chris and Kim Choe.

The Choes, who purchased Millerton Square Plaza on Route 44 in December 2024, said the project is entering its final stages after a series of construction delays. With some renovations complete, they now expect the supermarket to open before the holiday season.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton approves $6.1M bid 
for Eddie Collins park pool

Eddie Collins Memorial Park on Route 22 in Millerton has seen major renovations in recent years. The next phase of renovations will see a pool and poolhouse that will double as a community gathering space.

Photo by Nathan Miller

MILLERTON — The new pool at Eddie Collins Memorial Park is moving forward after village trustees approved the first construction bid for the project.

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept a bid from Key Construction totalling $6.1 million for site work and general construction on Tuesday, May 26.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.