Lorna Cherot Littleway is reporting for The Columbia Paper on the efforts of businessman Steve Bluestone to use solar energy to power his new business in Hillsdale. Bluestone spoke to the Hillsdale Town Board at its May 14, about his soon-to-open brewery and restaurant at 32 Anthony Street. He described the problem as a “historic building on a postage stamp lot,” saying also that solar panels on roofs “are not historic.” Bluestone provided board members with a three-page chart of town parcels that could possibly accommodate solar panels. His design calls for smart panels that pivot and 14 poles with a maximum height of 20 feet. He said that he would lease the parcel from the town for the life of the panels, estimated to be 30 years. The most desirable parcel is located where the town plans to expand the sewer district. “What if the town wanted to own its own solar system?” asked Supervisor Peter Cipkowski, who also asked about the potential reactions by the site’s neighbors. In addition, Hillsdale zoning laws restrict maximum pole height to 15 feet. Bluestone admitted his request is “a long shot.” Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.