Solar farm proposal in Goshen draws questions from residents
Residents and environmental groups raise concerns about land use, wildlife, and whether the project is the right fit as the town reviews the proposal.
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A proposed solar farm in the Town of Goshen is now under review by the town zoning board, prompting questions from residents about environmental impacts, land use, and whether the project is a good fit for the community.
The project, submitted by Solar Liberty Energy Systems, would place thousands of solar panels on nearly 60 acres of land along Milburn Road — property longtime residents say was once farmland. According to project documents submitted to the town, the proposal would include up to 10 megawatts of solar panels.
Several neighbors told News 12 they have watched the area change over decades and are conflicted about what should come next.
“I’ve lived here forty years. I don’t know what to think about it,” said Jeff Biesheuvel of Goshen, who remembers when the land was largely open and undeveloped. He said while he has concerns about how a large solar installation could affect the landscape and wildlife, he also recognizes that development pressure in the area continues to grow.
Other residents echoed that mixed reaction, saying they would prefer the land remain vacant but would choose a solar project over housing or commercial development.
“I see solar farms all over Westtown and Minisink,” said Dan Hewitt, who has lived nearby for more than 25 years. “They’re unsightly, but I think that’s the better option than 35 houses back there. It’s just less cars and less traffic.”
The town took up the proposal at a zoning board meeting last week, where several residents raised questions during public comment about environmental impacts, safety, and land use. As part of the review, the developer is requesting variances related to setbacks and fencing.
Project documents also reference environmental considerations. In a 2021 letter, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identified the site as possible habitat for the federally endangered Indiana bat, as well as two threatened species — the northern long-eared bat and the bog turtle.
A subsequent review by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said the agency does not have site-specific data confirming the presence of endangered or threatened species at the property. However, the DEC noted that additional review would be necessary to adequately assess potential environmental impacts.
Concerns have also been raised by Protect Orange County, a local environmental advocacy group. In a statement, the group said it supports solar energy — particularly rooftop solar and projects on already-developed sites — but opposes large-scale solar farms on farmland.
Protect Orange County said farmland is a limited and irreplaceable resource and argued that converting agricultural land into industrial-scale solar facilities can permanently change landscapes and undermine long-term conservation and agricultural goals.
Town officials say the proposal remains under review and that public comment is still being accepted through March 3. The town’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday night.
Solar Liberty Energy Systems said the project has completed the state’s SEQRA environmental review process with a negative declaration and will continue working with the town while responding to public comment during the zoning review.
