[UPDATE, May 19: Tallgrass will remain open through the summer of 2016, according to Newsday's Mark Herrmann.]
The future of Tallgrass Golf Course is now in the hands of the Town of Brookhaven Planning Board, which listened to a presentation from solar developers on Monday asking the board to grant a special permit that would clear the way for 110,000 solar panels to replace the Gil Hanse-designed course in Shoreham. More than a dozen town residents followed the presentation to speak out either in support of or opposition to the plan.
A group representing Chicago-based Invenergy and the proposed 127-acre Shoreham Solar Commons development stressed the benefits of solar energy to the community and the Shoreham-Wading River school district in its presentation to the board, focusing on the development's clean energy production and increased local tax revenue. The group noted that Tallgrass has been on the market several times since it was built in 2000, and emphasized the positive impact the development would have on the community over possible alternative uses, including new homes that would cause increased traffic on local roads and swelled enrollment in district schools. The real-time monitoring of the farm's production would also allow for new solar-energy curriculum in local schools, said one group member.
Contrary to previous reports, the existing Tallgrass clubhouse would not be converted to a community center as part of the plan, according to the group, due to conflict with local codes. It would instead be used for offices and storage.
Eighteen town residents voiced their opinions to the board, with ten speaking out against the plan. Opponents included two Shoreham residents whose homes are located directly across from a new sPower solar farm adjacent to the Tallgrass site. Both residents made passionate arguments against the plan, one of whom described his view of solar panels and often intense reflective glare as "horrific." The other, whose house has been on the market for a year, said multiple prospective buyers have backed out on offers citing the neighboring solar farm.
Other opponents included the president of the Shoreham Civic Organization, who said his group is concerned about the loss of open space to an industrial power facility, and that Brookhaven has a duty to protect property values as written in town code. A local resident said Tallgrass is one of few recreational venues within Shoreham and should be preserved. Another said she supports solar energy, but added, "Shoreham does not have to be the solar capital of the world."
Supporters of Shoreham Solar Commons pointed out the environmental and tax benefits over the golf course, which uses high amounts of water and fertilizer, and pays a fraction of the taxes that the solar development would on an annual basis. Representatives from local electrical and construction unions were also among those in favor.
The Planning Board will keep the record open for written comments for 10 days, with the next discussion of the proposal scheduled for its meeting on Monday, February 8. [UPDATE: The February 8 meeting was canceled due to snow; all issues on the agenda will be addressed at the monthly Planning Board meeting on March 7.]
SEE PREVIOUS POSTS:
Tallgrass offering 2016 tee-time memberships as threat of solar development lingers (12/18/2015)
Talks concerning solar-farm future at Tallgrass continue (9/8/2015)
Ominous forecast for Tallgrass Golf Course as solar-energy push continues (8/3/2015)
