Opponents seek halt to Shoreham solar project

A lawyer for Shoreham residents opposed to a commercial solar array in their neighborhood urged LIPA and PSEG Long Island Thursday to suspend the 60-acre project, saying the contract that facilitated it is invalid.

The lawyer's letter came as dozens of residents packed a meeting of the Brookhaven Town Board to demand that the town declare a moratorium on new commercial solar projects until it completes a planned new commercial solar code. They formed a new group called the Shoreham Wading River Advocates for Justice.

The letter to LIPA trustees, PSEG and LIPA officials says that a contract with developer sPower doesn't exist because no copy of it obtained by the residents shows the correct address in Shoreham. Lawyer Frederick Eisenbud also said that the contract was finalized in violation of LIPA's bylaws and the State Environmental Quality Review Act.

Eisenbud wrote that various copies of the contract for the solar farm list addresses in Calverton and Brookhaven, but none lists the Shoreham address. The letter notes various changes in the versions of the contract, despite terms of the agreement that no amendments are allowed. Eisenbud also noted that no contract for listing the Shoreham property was filed by the LIPA bidding deadline of Oct. 4, 2013.

"There is no power purchase agreement for this property," Eisenbud said.

Several residents sparred with Brookhaven officials, who cited anticipated litigation in declining to answer questions or publicly discuss the project. The Brookhaven Town Planning Board approved required permits and variances for the property last month.

Officials for PSEG, LIPA and developer sPower did not immediately respond to requests for comment. LIPA has hired an outside law firm to review the contract.

By Mark Harrington

mark.harrington@newsday.comMHarringtonNews

Mark Harrington, a Newsday reporter since 1999, covers energy, wineries, Indian affairs and fisheries.