Carly Miller is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the 20-acre solar farm project proposed by Cypress Creek Renewables in the town of Catskill has now cleared two hurdles for approval. The Catskill Planning Board approved the project's environmental review and subdivision site plan following a public hearing, June 12. Cypress hopes to build a 2-megawatt facility on a forested property located at 1180 Bogart Road in Palenville. The farm would power 300 to 500 homes within the Mid-Hudson Cable region. Approval from both the town and planing boards are necessary. The site would be the first solar farm in the town of Catskill, Planning Board Chairman Joseph Izzo said. During that public hearing residents questioned the potential loss of forest habitat and property values. Bridget Hernandez, the only planning board member to vote against the proposal, said she wants to maintain the community’s integrity. “Bogart Road is one of the most beautiful roads in Greene County,” Hernandez said. “To put something so unattractive there is a shame. I want it to be strategically placed — not in someone’s backyard.” The state Department of Environmental Conservation, state Historical Preservation Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Catskill Highway Department and Kiskatom Fire Department are also reviewing the project. The planning board's final vote on the Board Road solar farm is expected to take place during its next regular meeting, 7 p.m. June 26. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.