by Lynne Jackson

GUILDERLAND, NY: Save the Pine Bush is watching several proposals in the Pine Bush in Guilderland. These include the proposed Pyramid projects, one of which is a Costco with 18 gas pumps. With climate change a critical issue, the Town of Guilderland should not permit the construction of any fossil fuel infrastructure. Currently, SPB, represented by the Pace Environmental Law Clinic, has a lawsuit before the New York State Supreme Court over the approval of this development.

The Town of Guilderland has approved a proposal to build affordable housing on 11 acres of a 50 acre parcel of land in an area designated as “full protection” by the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission. The project is called “Pine Bush Senior Living” and no environmental impact statement was ever written.

A new project has been proposed — a 60-acre solar farm. Save the Pine Bush supports solar energy. However, to build a solar farm on Pine Bush ecosystem designated as a full protection area is simply unacceptable. Put solar panels on roofs! Put solar panels in parking lots! But, please, do not completely cover sixty acres of beautiful Pine Bush with solar panels. Build somewhere else — not in a unique ecosystem. The solar company proposing this project should go talk to the Pyramid corporation and see about building the solar farm on the roof of Crossgates Mall.

Save the Pine Bush always needs volunteers to attend public hearings, write letters, help with social media and organize to stop destruction of the Pine Bush. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Lynne Jackson at lynnejackson@mac.com.