Clearing 700 Trees is Too a High a Price for Proposed Mt. Kisco Solar Farm
Currently pending before the Mount Kisco Planning Board is a proposal for the construction of a solar farm on an approximately 25-acre parcel of pristine forest land, near the intersection of Route 172 and Sarles Street. While the intent of the project is ostensibly to provide clean, renewable energy, which is a laudable goal, the long-range ramifications are significant.
Location, location, location: this mantra of the real estate business is key. The area, which abuts Marsh Sanctuary, a wildlife preserve, is home to over 1,000 “specimen trees” as defined in the Mount Kisco code. The location abounds in old growth oaks, maples, birch, sassafras, tulips, among other species. Such a rich diversity is unique in the well-developed Mount Kisco-Bedford corridor, according to the noted local ecologist, Jim Nordgren.
To construct the solar farm would require the removal of close to 700 mature trees, which provide soil retention, air and water purification, shade, noise suppression, as well as food and shelter for wildlife. Loss of these natural resources cannot be replaced with saplings, which require many years to mature.
My humble suggestion to the applicant and developer of the solar farm is to continue searching for an appropriate location (e.g., parking lot or large flat-roof building). The Planning Board should make a bold statement, deny the application and encourage the applicant to find a more suitable location.
James R. Gmelin,
Chairman, Mount Kisco Tree Preservation Board
