03/24/2024
‼️ IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE FUTURE OF SHERRILL BROOK PARK ‼️
Hello All,
It’s been a few years since we started working on the idea of conserving the 450-acre forest adjacent to Sherrill Brook Park in New Hartford/Kirkland (image below). Our progress at that time stopped because the landowner’s asking price increased substantially above the appraisal value when he received offers from solar development companies for portions of the property.
This Monday, March 25 7:30 PM, there will be a Public Hearing at the Kirkland Town Building about the Atlas Renewables Solar Project (agenda attached), the first industrial solar project on the property. This proposed solar farm will destroy at least 60 acres of the beautiful forest and wetlands along the Mud Creek gorge which flows into Sauquoit Creek. The hearing is important to learn what the solar company is planning and to listen to other community members views on the project. It may also have an impact on future projects in the Sherrillbrook Forest closer to the park, specifically behind the Clintonview development.
While the solar company touts the “net” carbon benefit of the project, it’s easy to recognize the negative impact of removing a living forest when there are many other suitable sites available in the area that could be used for solar. This project also increases the potential for additional flooding in the Sauquoit Creek basin along Seneca Turnpike and Commercial Drive with cleanup costs paid by local taxpayers and residents forced to permanently relocate.
Early in the project planning we had discussed including trails along the gorge rim adjacent to the project with access for the community. The company says this is “good idea for educational value” but their application does not include any proposed trail, nor do they provide the needed buffer between the gorge and their metal fencing for a trail or erosion prevention. It appears that the Kirkland Planning Board will NOT require the buffers, access and trails as a condition of the project approval. The potential “educational” rim trail does not adequately offset the significant negative environment impacts of this project.
The best long term value of the Sherrill Brook forest for the Oneida County community is to provide a natural open space for our residents quality of life, health and recreation. This local forest in the very center of the county could be a wonderful asset for residents who may not have the time or ability to access other natural areas that are further away. It could also provide an important link in a non-motorized trail network between, Utica, New Hartford, Clinton and other communities.
The owner of the property should get a fair value if he wishes to sell, and the initial work that was done to propose a price didn’t meet his expectations. Now it’s time to dust this project off and start again. I believe this community can raise the funds needed to acquire all of this forest for present and future generations of our residents and keep it “forever wild”.
I encourage you to attend the hearing on Monday and voice your concerns. Based on the meetings that I and others have attended, the Kirkland Planning board appears to be in favor of letting this project move forward. A large opposing crowd in attendance at this meeting would let them know that many in the local impacted residents disagree. If you want to review the application binder it is available at the Clinton Library. If you can’t attend the meeting, comments may be emailed to the planning board at [email protected] and the town supervisor [email protected].
If anyone is interested in rejoining the coalition to preserve this wonderful woodland and extend Sherrill Brook Park for future generations, please contact me. We are going to renew our efforts to save this remaining natural open space.
Sincerely,
Stuart Miller
