Albany board says no to solar field ‘noise’

ALBANY — In addition to passing the city’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget Wednesday night, the Albany City Commission also voted to deny Inman Solar of Atlanta’s request to construct and operate a solar power-generating facility on 25 acres of wooded land near Augusta Drive in south Albany because of, among other reasons, the “noise” solar facilities make while operating.

The board also agreed to renew its transportation agreement with Albany State University through which the city will provide three buses that ferry students between campuses at ASU. The university pays for the cost of the program ($434,196) through student activity fees.

The commission also:

♦ Approved a utility abandonment easement sought by developers of the Dogwood Trail Apartments in east Albany in two alleys that had been previously closed;

♦ Signed off on a supplemental FY 2019 budget that will call for use of an additional $31.6 million from the city’s fund balance to account for projects such as Hurricane Michael recovery, infrastructure improvements, installation of LED lights and purchase of The Albany Herald building;

♦ Agreed to use $133,267.14 in SPLOST VI funds to pave the alley that runs along the 300 block of Residence Avenue.

The commission also gave City Manager Sharon Subadan permission to work out a contract for eight transit buses scheduled for purchase in FY 2020 before a June 30 deadline that will save the city $182,424 in additional costs. The company informed the city that a 4% increase in the cost of the buses will go into effect on July 1.

Staff Photo: Carlton Fletcher